CHIBA, Japan – Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki will be available to MLB teams this offseason.
The Chiba Lotte Marines announced Saturday that they have chosen to begin the process of transferring the pitcher to an MLB club through the posting system.
Sasaki, who turned 23 this month, is expected to become one of the most sought-after pitchers on the free-agent market. The right-hander had a 10-5 record with a 2.35 ERA in 18 games this year, striking out 129 batters in 111 innings.
Because he is under 25, Sasaki will be considered an international amateur free agent subject to the bounty pool limits, per MLB rules. This means his first contract will be a Minor League contract not exceeding seven figures.
The Marines will receive a percentage for his transfer, the amount of which will be determined by the size of his contract.
It is not yet known when Sasaki will officially be available, which will trigger the 45-day deadline for him to sign with an MLB club. The 2024 international signing period ends on December 15 and the 2025 international signing period opens on January 15.
Most teams committed most or all of their roster to Latin American prospects in January. The Los Angeles Dodgers have retained most of their signing bonus pool for 2024, $2,502,500.
Sasaki helped Japan win the 2023 World Baseball Classic. His fastball has been measured at 102.5 mph, and he has a career record of 29-15 with a 2.10 ERA over the course. of four injury-shortened seasons with the Marines. He pitched a perfect game against the Orix Buffaloes in April 2022, hitting 13 straight strikeouts and finishing with 19.
