The Arizona Diamondbacks have joined the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and New York Mets in sending key executives to observe Japanese pitching star Roki Sasaki this fall, as reported by The Athletic’s Jim Bowden and BBWAA journalist Francys Romero.
At just 22 years old (turning 23 next month), Sasaki’s transition to Major League Baseball this winter isn’t guaranteed, as his NPB team (Chiba Lotte) would need to post him first. If he does become available, the right-handed pitcher, known for his triple-digit fastball and impressive splitter, is expected to be one of the offseason’s most coveted players. Sasaki showcased his talent on an international stage during the World Baseball Classic, contributing to Japan’s championship win with 7.2 innings pitched, three earned runs (3.52 ERA), and 11 strikeouts. He’s a two-time NPB All-Star and has already thrown a perfect game. In 2024, Sasaki recorded 111 innings with a 2.35 ERA, 32 walks, and 129 strikeouts, despite missing a couple of months due to arm soreness.
Roki Sasaki struck out nine over eight scoreless innings in Game 1 against the Fighters. pic.twitter.com/O5IsZYR5sB
— Jason Coskrey (@JCoskrey) October 12, 2024
Sasaki’s bidding war would be more akin to Shohei Ohtani’s in 2017 than to Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s $325 million deal with the Dodgers last winter. Since Sasaki is under 25 and lacks the necessary service time, there are limitations on his status as an international free agent. He would need to sign a minor league contract using international bonus pool funds, similar to how Ohtani began his MLB career. Ohtani signed a six-year contract with the Angels worth $2.3 million for his rookie season, with his salary only increasing in arbitration in 2021.
However, he struck a lucrative $700 million deal with the Dodgers last winter. The Angels paid a $20 million posting fee to acquire Ohtani. Recent changes to the posting process mean that release fees for minor league contracts will now be 25% of the signing bonus, along with additional fees if the player is added to the MLB roster. With Sasaki’s season now concluded, he and his team will need to make important decisions regarding his pursuit of MLB opportunities.
先発の #佐々木朗希 投手、7回無失点7奪三振のピッチングを披露！#chibalotte #MarinesBaseball #MarinesGoodPitch pic.twitter.com/vJ0gfZQ6Yb
— 千葉ロッテマリーンズ (@chibalotte) August 30, 2024
The Diamondbacks might be seen as a longshot to land him if he becomes available, but they aren’t the only team interested; many others have inquired as well. He could be an exciting solution to the pressing rotation questions the team is facing. Ace Zac Gallen has one more year of team control before entering free agency, and Merrill Kelly has a club option for 2025 before becoming a free agent. Additionally, Jordan Montgomery holds a player option. Eduardo Rodriguez is under contract until 2027, while Brandon Pfaadt and Ryne Nelson are secured under team control as pre-arbitration players. Arizona’s top pitching prospects include Yilber Diaz and Yu-Min Lin. Sasaki has the potential to be an ace, and both teams and fans will be keeping a close eye on his situation.
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