Roki Sasaki has enjoyed unprecedented success in Japan and could be the next star pitcher to make the jump from Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) to MLB.
The 23-year-old went 10-5 with a 2.35 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 10.5 strikeouts per nine in 18 starts for the Chiba Lotte Marines last season. He boasts a fastball that can reach 103 mph, which was on display when he pitched for Team Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
Sasaki reportedly asked the Marines to post him for MLB free agency last offseason, but the team declined his request. There was a belief that this upset Sasaki, but he denied that notion and returned to the Marines on a one-year contract.
The Marines have been unsuccessful in their attempt to work out a new deal with Sasaki thus far, which could lead to him being posted for MLB free agency this offseason, via baseball reporter Francys Romero:
Roki Sasaki has declined an offer from the Chiba Lotte Marines, per sources.
The situation of the 23-year-old ace remains uncertain. One possibility is being posted to sign with an MLB team, while another is continuing negotiations with the Marines.
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) November 4, 2024
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 that it was for Shohei Ohtani when he left NPB at 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.
The right-hander’s situation will be one to follow this winter. In the event that he is posted, the Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to strongly pursue him and believed by many to be the favorites.
Roki Sasaki receiving guidance from Joel Wolfe
As Sasaki contemplates his future, he has reportedly been receiving guidance from agent Joel Wolfe, who helped negotiate the record-setting contract between Yoshinobu Yamamoto and the Dodgers last December.
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