What you should know about Roki Sasaki’s free agency as the Japanese star approaches an MLB decision

In the world of professional baseball, few prospects have generated as much excitement and anticipation as Roki Sasaki. The Japanese phenom, often compared to legends like Shohei Ohtani and Yu Darvish, has taken the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) by storm with his remarkable pitching ability and electric arm. As Sasaki continues to dazzle on the mound with the Chiba Lotte Marines, MLB scouts and fans alike eagerly await the day he will make his long-anticipated jump to the major leagues. However, with his future now on the line, Sasaki’s free agency is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched stories in the sport.

This article will dive into everything you should know about Roki Sasaki’s free agency, his potential move to Major League Baseball (MLB), and how his decision will impact the future of the sport.

Who is Roki Sasaki?

Born in Iwate Prefecture, Japan, in 2001, Roki Sasaki has been a name on the radar of baseball enthusiasts since his high school days. His exceptional fastball, which regularly hits triple digits, caught the attention of scouts across the globe. Sasaki’s ability to generate strikeouts at a historically high rate, paired with his poise on the mound, has led many to compare him to some of the best pitchers in the history of baseball. His potential as a top-tier MLB pitcher has made him one of the most talked-about international prospects in recent years.

After being drafted by the Chiba Lotte Marines in the 2019 NPB Draft, Sasaki quickly became one of the brightest stars in the Japanese league. His 2021 season was particularly memorable, with the young pitcher throwing a perfect game in April 2022, marking the first perfect game in NPB in over 28 years. This feat, along with his continued dominance on the mound, solidified his status as a generational talent.

Sasaki’s combination of velocity, command, and secondary stuff has made him a tantalizing prospect for MLB teams. His fastball touches 102 mph, while his slider and splitter generate swing-and-miss rates rarely seen in any league, let alone a pitcher his age. As a result, it’s no surprise that MLB teams have taken a keen interest in his future, eagerly awaiting his entry into the league.

The Posting System: What Does It Mean for Sasaki’s MLB Future?

One of the key aspects of Sasaki’s free agency lies in Japan’s posting system. The posting system allows Japanese players to move to MLB after an agreement between their NPB team and an MLB franchise. Under this system, an MLB team must pay a posting fee—a form of compensation to the Japanese team—for the opportunity to negotiate with the player. The player then becomes a free agent, able to sign with any MLB team that meets the terms of the agreement.

However, while the system is in place to facilitate international moves, it’s important to understand that there are several factors influencing when a player can be posted. Typically, players must have been in the NPB for at least nine years before they can be posted, though this rule has been subject to exceptions. As of now, Sasaki is still under contract with the Chiba Lotte Marines, and the timing of when he might be eligible to make the jump to MLB is one of the key questions surrounding his free agency.

Currently, there are discussions around whether Sasaki will be posted in the near future or whether he will remain in Japan for a few more years to develop further before making the leap. Given his status as one of the top pitchers in NPB, the question of when Sasaki will enter the MLB market is closely tied to the strategic decisions made by the Marines as well as Sasaki’s own desires for his career trajectory.

The MLB Landscape: Teams Interested in Sasaki

The possibility of Sasaki moving to MLB has generated significant excitement among major league clubs, as his talent is universally recognized. Teams that are traditionally active in international scouting, such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and Boston Red Sox, are expected to be among the leading candidates to pursue the young phenom. Sasaki’s ability to immediately slot into an MLB rotation and be a potential ace for a club makes him a high-value target for teams looking to bolster their pitching depth.

The Los Angeles Dodgers in particular have shown significant interest in acquiring international talent in recent years, as evidenced by their signings of players like Kenta Maeda and Yu Darvish. Sasaki would be an ideal fit for the Dodgers, given their track record of developing elite pitchers and their reputation as one of the most successful franchises in MLB. The Dodgers are known for their focus on player development, advanced analytics, and strong team culture, all factors that would appeal to a player like Sasaki who is looking to maximize his potential.

Another team to watch is the New York Yankees, who are always in the hunt for top talent. The Yankees have a rich history of scouting and signing international stars, and their desperate need for pitching would make Sasaki a perfect fit. Should Sasaki decide to enter the MLB free-agent market, the Yankees are almost certain to be a major player in the bidding.

The Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and San Diego Padres are also expected to express interest in Sasaki. These teams are constantly looking to improve their pitching rotations and would likely jump at the chance to add a generational talent like Sasaki to their roster.

However, Sasaki’s choice of which team to sign with will depend on several factors beyond just financial incentives. In particular, Sasaki will likely prioritize playing for a team that offers a strong pitching development system, a commitment to winning, and a conducive environment for him to continue growing as a pitcher.

The Role of Clayton Kershaw and Dodgers in Recruiting Sasaki

While Sasaki’s free agency is still some years away, the Dodgers are already positioning themselves as a strong candidate to sign him when the time comes. One of the key figures in the Dodgers’ efforts to recruit Sasaki is Clayton Kershaw, the team’s ace and one of the most respected pitchers in MLB history.

Kershaw’s involvement in recruiting international talent is well-documented, and the Dodgers’ pitching staff—led by Kershaw—has long been regarded as one of the best in the league. Kershaw, a future Hall of Famer, is known for his professionalism and leadership, and his input in recruiting Sasaki could be a significant factor in Sasaki’s decision. With Kershaw being a respected figure in the pitching world, his endorsement and guidance could go a long way in convincing Sasaki that the Dodgers are the best team for him to realize his potential.

Kershaw, who has long admired Japanese pitchers and has a close relationship with players like Kenta Maeda, could offer Sasaki valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of playing in MLB. Kershaw’s track record as a mentor to younger pitchers in the Dodgers’ system would likely resonate with Sasaki, who would benefit from having a future Hall of Famer as a mentor.

Sasaki’s Impact on MLB and the Global Baseball Scene

Roki Sasaki’s entry into MLB would have a profound impact not just on the team that signs him but on the broader landscape of international baseball. The excitement surrounding his potential move to the majors would send a clear signal about the growing importance of scouting and developing talent outside of the United States. With countries like Japan, South Korea, and Cuba continuing to produce elite talent, Sasaki’s free agency represents the next wave of global baseball stars.

The potential signing of Sasaki would not only elevate the pitching standards in MLB but also broaden the league’s appeal to international audiences. Japan’s rich baseball history, combined with Sasaki’s rising profile, could create new fan bases for MLB in Asia. Just as Shohei Ohtani has become a global ambassador for the sport, Sasaki could further increase the game’s reach and attract new fans to the league.

Sasaki’s style of pitching—marked by velocity, movement, and command—would likely thrive in MLB, where pitchers with similar traits like Max Scherzer, Jacob deGrom, and Gerrit Cole have dominated. If Sasaki lives up to the hype, he could become one of the league’s premier pitchers, helping elevate the quality of the game.

The Financial Implications of Sasaki’s Free Agency

One of the most important factors in Sasaki’s decision will be the financial terms of his free agency. MLB teams are known for offering lucrative contracts to top international players, and Sasaki’s deal will likely break records. The posting fee that a team must pay to the Chiba Lotte Marines could be substantial, with estimates suggesting it could exceed $50 million.

In addition to the posting fee, Sasaki is likely to sign a long-term contract worth anywhere between $100 million and $200 million—a deal that reflects his status as one of the best pitching prospects in the world. The size of his contract will depend on multiple factors, including market conditions, interest from rival teams, and his overall performance in the years leading up to his free agency.