CHIBA, Japan (AP) — In a significant development for Major League Baseball, Japanese ace Roki Sasaki, renowned for his exceptional performance and potential, will be available to major league teams this offseason after the Chiba Lotte Marines made an official announcement on Saturday.
The Chiba Lotte Marines confirmed they have initiated the process to transition Sasaki to a big league club in North America through the posting system, which allows MLB teams to negotiate contracts with foreign players.
At just 23 years old, Sasaki is projected to emerge as one of the most coveted pitchers on the free agent market this offseason. This past season, he showcased his dominance on the mound, finishing with a commendable 10-5 record and an impressive 2.35 earned run average (ERA) over 18 games, while striking out a remarkable 129 batters in 111 innings pitched.
According to MLB regulations, since Sasaki is under 25, he will be designated as an international amateur free agent, which places him under bonus pool limits. Consequently, his first contract signed in the MLB will likely be a minor league deal capped at seven figures.
The Chiba Lotte Marines will benefit from a percentage fee for posting Sasaki, with the exact amount to be determined based on the total value of his resulting contract with a major league team.
As of now, it remains uncertain when Sasaki will officially enter the posting process, which will commence a 45-day window for him to ink a deal with a major league club.
Notably, Sasaki played a pivotal role in Japan’s triumph in the 2023 World Baseball Classic and has a fastball that has been recorded at an astounding 102.5 mph. With a career record of 29-15 and a stellar 2.10 ERA accumulated over four seasons—though impacted by injuries—his pedigree is undeniable. He even made headlines by pitching a perfect game against the Orix Buffaloes in April 2022.
In a heartfelt statement shared via X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, Sasaki expressed gratitude toward his team for their support in his aspirations of transitioning to MLB. “Since I joined the team, the organization has been attentive to my aspirations for an MLB challenge, and I am sincerely thankful for their official approval to post,” he stated.
“Throughout my five years with the Marines, I faced numerous challenges, yet my unwavering focus on baseball, coupled with the invaluable support from my teammates, club staff, and ardent fans, has propelled me to this significant moment. I am committed to diligently advancing from my minor deal to establish myself as one of the sport’s elite, fulfilling the hopes of everyone who has supported my journey in this singular baseball career, ensuring that I harbor no regrets.”
**Interview with Baseball Analyst Sam Thompson on Roki Sasaki’s Posting to MLB**
**Interviewer:** Thanks for joining us, Sam. Let’s dive right into the big news—Chiba Lotte Marines have announced their intention to post Roki Sasaki for Major League Baseball. What impact do you think this will have on the MLB landscape?
**Sam Thompson:** Thanks for having me! This is a major development for MLB. Roki Sasaki is not just a rising star; he’s already established himself as one of the most talented pitchers in Japan. His availability through the posting system means that several MLB teams will be vying for his services, which could dramatically shift the balance of power, especially if he performs as expected.
**Interviewer:** Sasaki had a standout season, finishing with a 10-5 record and an impressive 2.35 ERA. What stands out the most about his performance this past year?
**Sam Thompson:** His ability to strike out 129 batters in just 111 innings speaks volumes about his potential. Not only does he have a diverse pitch arsenal, but he also commands the ball at a young age, which is rare. His consistency and ability to perform under pressure make him a coveted asset in any rotation.
**Interviewer:** Given that he is under 25, how does the MLB’s international signing system affect Sasaki’s contract negotiations?
**Sam Thompson:** That’s a good point. Sasaki will be classified as an international amateur free agent, which means he falls under the bonus pool restrictions for teams. This could limit his initial contract to a minor league deal, but don’t let that fool you—the talent and upside are there. Once he gets acclimated, I expect he’ll quickly earn a spot in the big leagues and likely secure a more lucrative deal in the future.
**Interviewer:** There have been speculations about his posting for some time now. Why do you think the Chiba Lotte Marines waited until now to make this move?
**Sam Thompson:** I believe it was a combination of factors. Last offseason, they may have felt he wasn’t quite ready or that they had a competitive team, but now it might be about maximizing his value while he’s at the peak of his performance. Plus, there’s a growing trend for Japanese stars to make the jump to MLB, so it makes sense for the Marines to join that movement.
**Interviewer:** What do you think will be his immediate challenges when transitioning to MLB?
**Sam Thompson:** Transitioning from NPB to MLB can be tough. The hitters in the majors are more disciplined and have better overall skills. Sasaki will need to adapt to a longer season and potentially more demanding travel schedules. However, if he can maintain his mental fortitude and continue to refine his skills, there’s no doubt he can excel in North America.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what teams do you believe will be interested in signing Roki Sasaki?
**Sam Thompson:** I would expect a lot of interest—teams like the Dodgers, Yankees, and Red Sox might immediately come to mind. They all have the resources and the need for a top-tier pitcher. Ultimately, it will come down to which team can offer him the best opportunity to succeed right away.
**Interviewer:** Great insights, Sam. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Roki Sasaki’s future in MLB!
**Sam Thompson:** My pleasure! I’m excited to see how this unfolds.
