This offseason, attention is shifting from Juan Soto to a new name making waves in the baseball world: Roki Sasaki. The 23-year-old Japanese phenom has become the talk of the league, with MLB teams ready to bid for this rare talent as soon as the posting process begins. The excitement is palpable as Sasaki’s Japanese team has announced his availability, giving the green light for MLB franchises to make a move on one of Japan’s most promising pitchers.
While the exact start date for his posting remains uncertain, once he begins, Sasaki will have a 45-day window to sign with a team. Due to his age and limited international experience, Sasaki falls under some signing restrictions, meaning we won’t see a record-breaking contract similar to Yoshinobu Yamamoto‘s. Instead, Sasaki’s path could mirror that of Shohei Ohtani, potentially starting on a minor league contract before quickly advancing to the major leagues.
I Dodgers: Favorite per Roki Sasaki?
Sasaki’s young age and international experience place him under the 2024 international bonus pool—a factor that gives a significant advantage to teams with a substantial bonus allocation. And in that sense, the Los Angeles Dodgers stand out. With $2.5 million left in their international signing pool, they are in a prime position to make a compelling offer for Sasaki, especially considering their success with Japanese players and their commitment to long-term contracts.
Los Angeles has consistently been a top destination for international talent, offering Japanese players like Ohtani a seamless transition to the American scene. The Dodgers’ recent World Series victory also adds to their allure, giving them the championship appeal that a young star like Sasaki might find irresistible.
A Strategic Leap or a Premature Move?
The question remains whether Sasaki is truly ready to follow in Ohtani’s legendary footsteps, or whether he risks making the leap prematurely. While Sasaki is undoubtedly talented, he is young and has not accumulated the broad international experience that normally prepares a player for MLB stardom. However, with his record of electrifying performances, Sasaki has proven that he has the resilience to adapt and succeed in the MLB scene.
One thing is clear: Whichever team manages to acquire Sasaki will have a young pitcher who not only holds tremendous potential, but also represents the future of international baseball talent. With the Dodgers at the forefront, MLB fans could soon witness the beginning of a new era, with Sasaki ready to follow his idol Ohtani and make his mark on the American game.
