Get to Know The Japanese Pitcher MLB Teams are Fighting Over

The MLB offseason just got a major shake-up with the announcement that Roki Sasaki, the 23-year-old pitching phenom from Japan’s NPB, will be posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines to join Major League Baseball in 2025. Known for his impressive speed, pinpoint accuracy, and dazzling array of pitches, Sasaki has been one of the most sought-after international talents for years. With a record-breaking career in Japan, Sasaki’s move to the MLB is set to ignite intense competition among teams, as he’s poised to be one of the most impactful free agents this offseason. So, just how talented is Sasaki, and what are the dynamics shaping his highly anticipated transition to the majors?

Sasaki’s Unmatched Talent and Pitch Arsenal

Sasaki’s career in Japan has been marked by sheer dominance on the mound. Known for throwing over 100 mph since his teenage years, Sasaki set a Japan NPB record with 19 strikeouts in a perfect game at just 20. His impressive fastball, which averages 99 mph, is complemented by a devastating splitter that ranks among the best in baseball globally. Unlike traditional splitters, Sasaki’s pitch is effective against left- and right-handed batters, making it a powerful tool. Sasaki’s slider rounds out his arsenal as a plus pitch, which he primarily uses against right-handed hitters, leaving open the potential to develop additional pitches under MLB coaching. This speed, movement, and control combination makes Sasaki a thrilling addition to any MLB rotation.

Potential Contract and Signing Dynamics

Due to NPB posting rules, Sasaki’s entry into the MLB will follow a structured financial path. At 23, he is limited to a minor league deal, with signing bonuses drawn from each team’s international bonus pool, which is capped at just over $7.5 million. While it may seem advantageous for Sasaki to wait until he turns 25 for a free agent contract comparable to Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s 12-year, $325 million deal, joining sooner presents its opportunities. Early entry into the MLB brings Sasaki closer to endorsement opportunities. It positions him to potentially sign a significant contract in seven years, at a younger age, when he hits free agency.

If Sasaki signs before December 15, his bonus will be constrained to the current year’s international pool, where the Dodgers lead with a $2.5 million limit. However, if he delays until after January 15, he could secure a bonus closer to $7.5 million as teams’ pools reset. The timing of Sasaki’s signing also impacts the posting fee his Japanese club will receive, which could encourage him to wait for the giant pool reset in January, ultimately giving both Sasaki and Chiba Lotte more financial benefit.

Which MLB Teams are in the Race?

Though any team could make a bid for Sasaki, the Dodgers are rumored to be frontrunners for the young star. Los Angeles’s significant international bonus pool and West Coast location make it a favorable landing spot for Japanese players. Moreover, the Dodgers have built a strong reputation for player development and already boast Japanese talent on their roster. These factors enhance their appeal in a recruitment scenario more akin to college sports than traditional MLB free agency. Other teams with ample bonus pool funds this year, like the Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, and San Francisco Giants, also have a shot if Sasaki signs early.

However, if Sasaki waits until the new period begins, every team gains flexibility, and his signing process becomes more competitive. The 45-day posting period adds an element of strategy, as teams may be willing to break verbal agreements with other international prospects to clear their budget for Sasaki, even if it risks damaging relationships with agents. The stakes are high, but for a talent as rare and promising as Sasaki, many teams are expected to adjust their plans to secure his signing.

Why Sasaki’s MLB Move Matters

Sasaki’s decision to join the MLB could begin a new era for Japanese talent in American baseball. His skill set—comparable to young stars like Paul Skenes—positions him as one of the best young pitchers in recent years. His move follows in the footsteps of Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, whose transitions to the MLB have set high standards. Sasaki’s arrival adds another electrifying talent to the league, inspiring a fresh wave of international interest and competition.

For MLB fans and teams alike, Sasaki’s move represents both a thrilling addition and a reminder of the expanding global reach of baseball. Whether he joins the Dodgers, Giants, Yankees, or another team, Roki Sasaki is set to bring a new level of excitement to MLB, and fans worldwide will be watching closely as his journey unfolds.