Roki Sasaki Set to Join MLB
Roki Sasaki, the 23-year-old ace pitcher from Japan’s NPB, is making headlines as the Chiba Lotte Marines have announced plans to post him for the 2025 MLB season. This move is expected to significantly shake up the upcoming offseason, positioning Sasaki as the second most sought-after free agent, following Juan Soto.
How Good is Sasaki?
Sasaki has garnered attention since his teenage years, particularly for his incredible performance in Japan. His credentials include:
- Fastball Velocity: Averaged 99 mph in the 2023 NPB season.
- Strikeouts: Holds the NPB record with 19 strikeouts in a perfect game at age 20.
- Pitch Arsenal: Features a devastating splitter, a slider effective against right-handed hitters, and the potential to add more pitches.
Despite a dip in performance this year, attributed to an unspecified arm injury, Sasaki still shows immense potential. If he returns to form, he could be among the best pitchers in MLB.
Contract Considerations
Sasaki’s posting status is influenced by NPB rules, impacting how teams can negotiate with him:
- Signing Before Age 25: If Sasaki signs before turning 25, he would be limited to a minor league deal with a signing bonus from a team’s international bonus pool (capped at approximately $7.5 million).
- Potential Earnings: If he waits until after his 25th birthday, he could command a major league free agent contract similar to the 12-year, $325 million deal signed by Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Timing of Posting
The timing of Sasaki’s posting is crucial:
- Current International Signing Period: Ends on December 15, 2023.
- Next Period: Begins on January 15, 2024, with a new bonus pool starting at over $7.5 million.
Teams that sign Sasaki early could face limitations on how much they can offer, but waiting could yield a more lucrative deal for both Sasaki and his NPB team.
Potential Suitors
While any MLB team could pursue Sasaki, the Los Angeles Dodgers are viewed as the frontrunners:
- Strong Pitching Staff: The Dodgers have a well-established development program.
- West Coast Appeal: Sasaki may prefer a West Coast team with a large market and Japanese presence.
Other teams in the mix include the Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, and San Francisco Giants, especially if Sasaki is posted soon and they can leverage their international bonus pools.
Conclusion
Roki Sasaki’s impending move to MLB could reshape the landscape of the league. With his impressive skill set and potential for a high-value contract, he will be a focal point of the upcoming offseason, attracting significant interest from various franchises eager to add an elite young arm to their roster.