Roki Sasaki has officially been posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), and as of 2 p.m. PT on Tuesday afternoon, he was free to begin meeting and negotiating with MLB teams.

Interest in the 23-year-old has been widespread, both because of his immense talent and potential, and also due to Sasaki being deemed an amateur international free agent who is bound to signing under bonus pool guidelines.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres have long been viewed as the favorites to sign Sasaki, who agent Joel Wolfe said is poised to cast a wide net as he evaluates teams.

Unsurprisingly, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said Sasaki is going to be a focal point for the Dodgers, per Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:

“He’s someone that is obviously a major priority for us,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said. “We’re going to do whatever we can, and know that there are a lot of other teams that are going to do the exact same thing.”

In preparation — or hope — that Sasaki would be part of the 2024 international signing period, the Dodgers saved $2.5 million from their current bonus pool.

That was widely perceived to be set aside for Sasaki in the event he suddenly became available, which wasn’t known to be the case until last month. The amount also is most among all teams.

But with Sasaki not joining a team until the 2025 international signing period begins, the Dodgers won’t hold that same financial advantage. However, their overall bonus pool does increase to $5.1 million and they would be permitted to trade up to an additional 30% of the amount.

Roki Sasaki posted. What’s next?

Due to being posted on Dec. 10, Sasaki technically could sign before the the 2024 international signing period closes in less than a week. The more likely outcome and expectation, however, is he will wait until the 2025 international signing period opens on Jan 15.

There is a freeze on international signings from Dec. 16 until Jan. 14, 2025, as the period transitions to the next year. But Sasaki and his representation from Wasserman Media Group would still be permitted to meet with teams and negotiate a contract.

Sasaki signing deadline

While there is some flexibility Sasaki has with the schedule, he also faces a Jan. 23, 2025 deadline to sign, or he will be returned to Chiba Lotte.

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