MLB Commissioner Drops Shocking Update on Roki Sasaki’s Future!
Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki is expected to become one of the most sought-after players during the 2025 international signing period, according to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. The timing of Sasaki’s posting by the Chiba Lotte Marines suggests his signing will fall into the next bonus pool year, giving teams a larger financial window to […]
Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki is expected to become one of the most sought-after players during the 2025 international signing period, according to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. The timing of Sasaki’s posting by the Chiba Lotte Marines suggests his signing will fall into the next bonus pool year, giving teams a larger financial window to secure his talent.
International Signing Pool Considerations
If Sasaki were to sign this year, his maximum bonus would be limited to $2,502,500, with the Los Angeles Dodgers being the most financially prepared among potential suitors. However, by extending into the 2025 signing period, teams will have access to significantly higher bonus pools, up to $7,555,500, creating a competitive landscape for the 23-year-old’s services.
Manfred addressed this situation at a recent press conference following MLB’s owners’ meeting, explaining, “It kind of looks like the way it’s going to shake out, that the signing there, just because of the timing, will happen in the new pool period.”
Sasaki’s Posting Status
The Chiba Lotte Marines announced on November 9 that they would post Sasaki, but the process is still underway. Under the MLB-NPB agreement, the posting period runs from November 1 to December 15, with a 45-day negotiation window for interested MLB teams.
Sasaki’s stellar performance this season has heightened interest. In 18 games, he went 10-5 with a 2.35 ERA, striking out 129 batters across 111 innings. Known for his blazing fastball, Sasaki threw 21 pitches exceeding 100 mph during his 2023 World Baseball Classic outing against the Czech Republic.
Because he is younger than 25, MLB rules classify Sasaki as an international amateur free agent, meaning his contract is subject to bonus pool limitations. Chiba will receive a posting fee equivalent to 25% of Sasaki’s signing bonus, making his eventual signing a lucrative deal for both the player and his current team.
Competitive Landscape
With many teams having already allocated their 2024 bonus pools to Latin American prospects, only a few have significant funds remaining this year. The Dodgers are rumored to have the most flexibility, but officials from other clubs speculate whether Los Angeles has already negotiated an unofficial agreement with Sasaki.
Manfred commented, “If there’s any reason to believe that there was a violation of one of our rules, you can rest assured that we will thoroughly investigate.”
Teams such as Baltimore ($2,147,300), New York Yankees ($1,487,200), and San Francisco ($1,247,500) have some funds available, but most clubs fall under the $1 million mark for this year’s period.
Looking ahead to the 2025 signing period, teams like Oakland, Cincinnati, Detroit, and Miami will have the maximum $7,555,500 available, positioning them as major players in the bidding war. Meanwhile, organizations like Houston and St. Louis will have the smallest pools, at $5,646,200 and $5,146,200, respectively.
Strategic Implications
Sasaki’s availability could prompt teams to reassess their current commitments to Latin American prospects. Clubs with unofficial agreements for 2025 may consider backing out to free up space for the coveted pitcher.
The extension of Roki Sasaki’s MLB posting into 2025 ensures a highly competitive bidding war, with teams ready to leverage their bonus pools to secure the next Japanese baseball star. As Sasaki prepares for his potential MLB debut, the anticipation surrounding his signing underscores his immense talent and the strategic complexities of international player acquisitions in Major League Baseball.
