While Juan Soto has largely dominated MLB free agency headlines, not far behind him is Roki Sasaki and his forthcoming jump to the United States.
The Chiba Lotte Marines ended months of speculation when they announced Sasaki would be posted for MLB free agency this offseason. That’s going to make the right-hander among the top starting pitchers available in a market that also includes the likes of Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell.
While the Marines revealed they would allow the 23-year-old to join the Majors before the 2025 season, the next question was when would Sasaki be posted.
According to Evan Drellich of The Athletic, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said he expects Sasaki to be part of the 2025 international signing period:
Rob Manfred says Roki Sasaki is expected to be part of the 2025 international signing class: "It looks like … the signing there will happen in the new pool period"
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) November 20, 2024
Manfred’s comments represent the second instance it has been conveyed that Sasaki would not sign during the current international period.
With Sasaki’s timeline seemingly extending into the 2025 signing period, it should allow more teams to become involved as bonus pools are due to be replenished. However, with that figures to also come teams possibly backing away on verbal agreements with international prospects.
Granted, such handshake agreements are technically not permitted under MLB rules anyhow.
What Roki Sasaki signing in 2025 means for Dodgers?
The Dodgers had the largest amount of bonus pool money remaining for the 2024 period at $2.5 million. That was widely perceived to be earmarked for Sasaki in the event he suddenly became available.
But with Sasaki now not joining a team until the 2025 international signing period begins Jan. 15, the Dodgers will no longer hold that advantage. Their bonus pool will nevertheless increase, however, to $5.1 million.
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