Imagine a pitcher with a 100 mph fastball, wicked movement and a reputation for dominance in Japan’s top league. This isn’t a fantasy – it’s reality. As the MLB offseason unfolds, a talented young pitcher is set to bring his skills to North America, sending shockwaves throughout the baseball world. Right-hander Roki Sasaki, Japan’s latest pitching sensation, is poised to join the majors. Sasaki is the next pitcher to bring his talents to the other side of the world, much like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shota Imanaga and Jung Hoo Lee. Shohei Ohtani is already quite familiar to MLB fans with the largest contract in global sports history.
I got my hands on Roki Sasaki‘s 2024 NPB shape/velo data. Just dropped a video breaking it down. ?
-Fastball velocity/shape regression
-Insanely distinct splitter
-Slider rework needed?
-Arm “injury” affecting mechanics?Tease below, full vid within thread! pic.twitter.com/bRbOXIBDoI
— Lance Brozdowski (@LanceBroz) October 31, 2024
Roki Sasaki’s Impending Availability Has Sparked Intrigue
Sasaki is the consensus top young pitcher in Japan. He took to the global stage at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, helping Japan win the title with 7 1/3 innings, 11 strikeouts and a 3.52 ERA.
However, it’s not yet clear whether the Chiba Lotte Marines will make him available to MLB clubs via the posting system this offseason. Sasaki would inspire an all-out pursuit similar to Ohtani’s initial contract with the Los Angeles Angels. Ohtani signed a $2.31 million signing bonus with the Angels in the winter of 2017-18. He would have signed a larger contract but the CBA classified Ohtani as an international amateur free agent because he was not 25 years old. Sasaki, 22, will fall into the same category.
The market for Sasaki will be influenced by concerns over his durability. Sasaki missed two months in 2024 due to arm troubles, limiting him to 18 games with a 2.35 ERA, 32 walks and 129 strikeouts in 111 innings. This follows a 2023 season cut short by an oblique injury (91 innings). Sasaki has surpassed the 100-inning mark only once in his career. But, his impressive late-season performance, featuring a 100.5 mph average fastball velocity and reaching 103 mph, will undoubtedly attract attention.
If Sasaki makes the jump to MLB, several top contenders are already lining up. According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, five teams have emerged as potential suitors: the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks. Each of these teams invested significant resources to scout Sasaki this month, sending top executives to witness his pitching prowess firsthand.
State of Play for Each Team
Boston
The Red Sox are in need of starting pitching after last season’s struggles. Interest in Sasaki could be hindered by Boston’s perceived commitment to winning. The Red Sox must present a compelling case to attract him against fierce competition. Signing Sasaki represents a golden opportunity for the Red Sox to enhance their pitching staff without heavy financial investment. However, they must build trust and demonstrate winning potential to secure his commitment.
Arizona
While the Diamondbacks may be considered a longshot, he is an exciting potential answer to rotation questions that are coming up quickly. Zac Gallen has one more season of team control before hitting free agency. Merrill Kelly has a club option for 2025 before hitting free agency. Jordan Montgomery picked up his club option and will return next season. Eduardo Rodriguez is signed through 2027, while Brandon Pfaadt and Ryne Nelson are under team control as pre-arbitration players.
Los Angeles
There already are rival executives who believe that the Dodgers are the strong favorite to land Sasaki. The Dodgers might be the biggest threat to the Yankees. The dream of a pitching trio featuring Sasaki alongside Ohtani and Yamamoto is a thought no baseball fan can ignore. Sasaki was teammates with both of them in last year’s World Baseball Classic. That said, not every Japanese player winds up in Los Angeles. The Chicago Cubs signed Imanaga last offseason and Kodai Senga signed with the Red Sox the offseason prior.
Yankees
The Yankees are making a concerted effort to retain the services of Juan Soto. His exceptional skills on the field make him a key target for the team. Meanwhile, the Yankees are also eyeing the talented young pitcher Sasaki, whose addition could significantly bolster their pitching rotation and lay the groundwork for sustained success in the coming years. As they navigate these crucial decisions, the front office is keenly aware of the need to manage their financial resources wisely, especially given the implications of Soto’s contract situation.
Mets
Under Steve Cohen, the Mets could become strong contenders in the quest for impactful stars, positioning themselves alongside the Yankees and Dodgers. Fans can expect significant changes to the starting rotation compared to the 2024 lineup. With key pitchers Luis Severino, Sean Manaea, and Jose Quintana all entering free agency, the Mets are presented with the opportunity to explore new talent and bolster their pitching staff this offseason.
Main Photo: © Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
