As the 2024 MLB season kicks off, attention is already turning towards next offseason, with Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki emerging as a prime target for several Major League clubs.
Over the weekend, scouts from eight MLB teams closely monitored Sasaki’s season debut for the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan.
Roki Sasaki has reportedly been pushing the Marines to make him available to MLB clubs next offseason, but his Japanese team has yet to commit. 👀 https://t.co/jfkQcQiXYY pic.twitter.com/MyIJsBomwn
— theScore (@theScore) April 1, 2024
Among the teams observed scouting Sasaki were the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, and New York Yankees, indicating a high level of interest in the young right-hander.
With the recent acquisition of Yoshinobu Yamamoto by the Dodgers, Sasaki has now been dubbed the best pitcher outside of Major League Baseball.
He’s already going to the Dodgers for 500M of which 495M is deferred.
— EastRiver💙🧡 (@RioEstee) April 1, 2024
At just 22-years-old, Sasaki is considered ahead of Yamamoto’s development at the same age.
In his season debut, Sasaki was dominant on the mound, tallying seven strikeouts while allowing only one run on six hits and a walk over five innings.
I’ll take it lol
— jon (@jd234218) April 1, 2024
Expressing his desire to join MLB ranks, Sasaki has made it clear that he wishes to be posted for MLB teams during the upcoming offseason.
However, the decision ultimately lies with the Marines, who have not yet committed to posting him.
This move could potentially be financially disadvantageous for Sasaki and the Marines due to MLB’s international bonus pools.
I’d sell my soul for Roki to be a met
— . (@FinsRuinedme) April 1, 2024
Considering he’ll be 23 when the time comes, Sasaki would be subject to MLB’s international bonus pools, limiting his potential signing bonus to around $11 million.
This is a stark contrast to the staggering $325 million contract secured by Yamamoto.
Alternatively, if Sasaki waits until he turns 25, he would no longer be subject to the bonus pools and could sign a contract of any size.
Roki Sasaki looks to sign with the Dodgers when he's posted in the offseason, according to @BNightengale. pic.twitter.com/9yd9Mup3gd
— Dodgers Tailgate (@DodgersTailgate) March 31, 2024
However, the financial implications extend beyond the signing bonus. If Sasaki opts to join MLB this offseason, he would undergo six years of team control before reaching free agency, potentially delaying his big payday until the age of 29.
Shohei Ohtani’s case serves as a precedent for Japanese players subject to the bonus pools.
Ohtani joined the Los Angeles Angels at 23 years old in 2018, receiving a modest $2.315 million signing bonus. Despite this, Ohtani ultimately secured a lucrative 10-year, $700 million contract this offseason.
Welcome to the dodgers Roki
— everydaydodgers (@everydaydodgers) March 31, 2024
For the Marines, posting Sasaki this offseason would reduce the posting fee, making it a financially strategic move.
However, waiting until Sasaki turns 25 could significantly increase the posting fee, as seen with Yamamoto’s $50.625 million posting fee.
The Dodgers are believed to be the frontrunners to land Sasaki.
I can’t wait for this to happen so I can see more crying lol.
Already people are crying
— Shenanigans (@SHENANIGANS2067) April 1, 2024
What are your thoughts on Sasaki?
Do you think he’ll live up to the hype?
Is it a foregone conclusion that he’s going to end up in Los Angeles with the Dodgers???