Roki Sasaki’s MLB Journey: A Middle-Distance Run to Stardom
The race to sign Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki is heating up, but don’t expect it to be a quick sprint. At just 23 years old, Sasaki, the towering right-hander known for his jaw-dropping performances, is poised to make his move to Major League Baseball (MLB). However, his journey to the big leagues seems more like a strategic middle-distance run, filled with timing, decisions, and high stakes.
The Announcement and Posting Process
Sasaki recently revealed his intention to leave Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) to chase his MLB dreams. But the process isn't as straightforward as it seems. His NPB team, the Chiba Lotte Marines, has yet to formally post him for MLB teams to begin negotiations. Once posted, Sasaki will have a tight 45-day window to finalize a deal with a major league team.
What adds to the intrigue is the timing of this posting. If Sasaki’s move is delayed until after January 15, 2025—the start of MLB’s international amateur signing period—his signing bonus will be capped at around $7.6 million, according to figures shared by Baseball America. Teams could potentially trade for additional international signing bonus pool money to sweeten the deal, but there’s a catch: if Sasaki signs earlier, his bonus will shrink even further.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred weighed in on this, suggesting that Sasaki’s signing is expected to align with the new signing period. “It looks like ... the signing there will happen in the new pool period,” Manfred said during the MLB owners' meetings, as reported by Evan Drellich on social media.
Limited Bonus, Unlimited Talent
Despite the constraints of MLB's international amateur signing rules, Sasaki’s talent is drawing comparisons to some of the best pitchers in baseball today. Teams won’t be able to offer him the staggering nine-figure contracts reserved for elite free agents like Blake Snell or Corbin Burnes. Instead, their offers will be limited by their available international signing pool money. Yet, that hasn’t stopped heavyweights like the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers from aggressively pursuing him.
Sasaki’s raw talent and potential have captivated MLB scouts and executives alike. At 20 years old, he made headlines in 2022 with a perfect game that included an astonishing 19 strikeouts. If that wasn’t impressive enough, he followed it up with eight more perfect innings in his next start. In the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Sasaki’s fastball regularly clocked in at 100 mph, leaving batters stunned. His 2024 season stats with the Chiba Lotte Marines further cemented his status as a generational talent: a 2.35 ERA, 10-5 record, and 129 strikeouts over 111 innings.
Will the Dodgers Land Sasaki?
Within MLB circles, the Los Angeles Dodgers have emerged as early favorites to sign Sasaki. Known for their deep pockets and international scouting prowess, the Dodgers have a strong track record of landing top-tier talent from overseas. Their front-office officials have already traveled to Japan to meet with Sasaki, signaling serious intent.
However, the race is far from over. The Mets, known for their aggressive pursuit of marquee players under owner Steve Cohen, are also in the mix. With Sasaki’s talent being compared to the likes of Shohei Ohtani, the competition for his signature will undoubtedly be fierce.
A Path Paved by Ohtani
Sasaki’s journey draws inevitable comparisons to Shohei Ohtani, another Japanese superstar who made a similar leap to MLB under the international signing system. Back in December 2017, Ohtani joined the Los Angeles Angels via a minor league deal. Despite the modest contract terms, Ohtani quickly ascended to superstardom, ultimately signing a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers in 2023.
For Sasaki, the Ohtani precedent offers both inspiration and a roadmap. While the initial contract might not reflect his true value, the long-term potential for earning and building a legacy in MLB is enormous. Sasaki seems ready to take that leap of faith, much like Ohtani did, focusing on long-term growth over immediate financial gain.
Why Sasaki Is a Big Deal
To fully appreciate the buzz around Sasaki, here are some exciting highlights of his career so far:
- Perfect Game Mastery: Sasaki’s 19-strikeout perfect game in 2022 was a masterclass in pitching dominance.
- World Baseball Classic Stardom: With a fastball touching 100 mph, he dazzled on the international stage in 2023, solidifying his reputation as a future MLB star.
- Consistency in NPB: In 2024, Sasaki posted a stellar 2.35 ERA and struck out 129 batters in just 111 innings, showcasing his ability to perform at an elite level over a full season.
Such achievements have made him one of the most talked-about international prospects in recent memory, with some scouts even claiming he could compete with MLB’s top-tier pitchers right now.
Challenges Ahead
While the allure of MLB is strong, Sasaki’s move is not without its challenges. Unlike domestic free agents, Sasaki’s options will be limited by the international signing rules, reducing the financial incentives for joining MLB immediately. Additionally, adjusting to the major leagues, both culturally and competitively, is no small feat. Yet, if anyone has the talent and composure to thrive under such circumstances, it’s Sasaki.
What’s Next?
The countdown to Sasaki’s MLB debut is officially on. Fans, executives, and analysts alike are eagerly waiting for the Chiba Lotte Marines to formalize his posting, which will kick off the intense bidding war for his services. Whether he lands with the Dodgers, Mets, or a surprise contender, one thing is certain: Roki Sasaki’s arrival will be one of the most exciting storylines in baseball.
In a sport that thrives on talent, drama, and the promise of the next big star, Sasaki represents the perfect blend of all three. As the world watches, the young phenom is ready to take his place on the biggest stage in baseball—and possibly redefine what’s possible for international players in the MLB.
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