Roki Sasaki has been touted as the next Japanese star who could eventually make the jump from Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) to MLB.
The 22-year-old burst onto the scene while playing for Team Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic and has become the unquestioned ace of the Chiba Lotte Marines.
Sasaki reportedly asked that the Marines post him for MLB free agency this past offseason, but the team declined his request. There was a belief that this upset Sasaki, but he denied that notion and return to the team for the 2024 season.
Amid rumors that he could ask to be posted again this upcoming offseason, Sasaki may remain in Japan for the 2025 season as well, via Bob Nightengale of USA Today:
Japanese star Roki Sasaki, who was expected to be posted this winter, now may be having a change of heart and could stay another season in Japan, several club executives say.
MLB posting system rules require foreign-born players to have completed six professional seasons or be at least 25 years old in order to be eligible for free agency without any restrictions.
If posted before that point, Sasaki’s earning potential would be capped in the same way it was for Shohei Ohtani when he left NPB at just 23 years old.
It would also limit the posting fee owed to the Marines, which is why they may be hesitant to let Sasaki go before he turns 25.
In the event he is posted this offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to be among the teams that pursue him. The right-hander has reportedly been receiving guidance from Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s agent, Joel Wolfe, who helped negotiate the record-setting contract between his client and L.A. this past December.
Roki Sasaki’s career
Sasaki was selected by the Marines with the first overall pick in the 2019 NPB Draft. Through 13 starts this season, he is 6-4 with a 2.45 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 10.6 strikeouts per nine in 77 innings pitched.
Sasaki boasts a fastball that can reach 103 mph, which was on display when he pitched for Team Japan in the 2023 WBC.
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