November 10: The previously unspecified arm injury that caused Sasaki to miss time in 2024 was reportedly “a bout with shoulder fatigue,” according to The Athletic’s Will Sammon. The young right-hander’s recent injury history is just about the only thing that could give potential suitors pause this offseason, but such a relatively minor ailment is unlikely to do much damage to his market.
November 9: Roki Sasaki is coming to MLB next season. His NPB team, the Chiba Lotte Marines, announced overnight (on X) that they intend to make their ace available via the posting system. They did not reveal a specific date when they’ll open the posting window. Sasaki will be represented by Wasserman, tweets Francys Romero.
The announcement opens one of the top storylines of the offseason. Sasaki, who turned 23 last week, is the best pitcher in Japan. He’s one of the most talented pitchers on the planet. It’s the second consecutive offseason in which MLB teams will compete for arguably NPB’s best pitcher. Unlike the Yoshinobu Yamamoto bidding, Sasaki’s earning power is capped at a few million dollars.
MLB classifies players who sign out of a foreign league before they turn 25 as amateurs. Those players can only sign a minor league contract and are subject to a hard-capped bonus limit. Whichever team signs Sasaki is allowed to add him to the MLB roster by Opening Day — he isn’t going to start the season in Triple-A even though his first contract will be a minor league deal — but he won’t be able to sign for huge money.
After he signs, Sasaki will be subject to the same six-year control window that applies to any player called up from the farm system. He’ll play the next three seasons on roughly league minimum salaries before going through arbitration three times. Sasaki would not return to the open market until the 2030-31 offseason. He would be eligible to sign an extension during his team control window, but MLB has the ability to block a contract that it deems a circumvention of the bonus pool limits. There’s no set criteria for what might cause MLB to intervene, but it’s safe to say that Sasaki won’t be signing a massive extension within a few weeks of agreeing to a modest signing bonus.
Yamamoto waited until his 25th birthday to avoid the bonus limit. That freed him to sign with the Dodgers for $325MM, the largest guarantee for a pitcher in history. Sasaki didn’t want to follow that path. He instead prioritized making the move to MLB as quickly as possible, though that required the cooperation of the Marines.
NPB players are not eligible for international free agency until they’ve accrued nine years of service time. Sasaki has pitched at Japan’s highest level for four years. He unsuccessfully pushed for the Marines to post him for MLB teams last offseason. He gets his wish this time around. There’s been speculation that Sasaki’s contract might’ve contained some kind of clause to force the team’s hand.
Whether out of contractual obligation or simply to honor the player’s wishes, the Marines will lose their ace for essentially nothing. The posting agreement between MLB and Nippon Professional Baseball ties the NPB team’s compensation to the value of the free agent contract. An MLB team signing a posted player pays a fee to the Japanese team on top of what goes to the player. The fee is a fixed amount calculated as 20% of a deal’s first $25MM, 17.5% of the next $25MM, and 15% of further spending.
Yamamoto’s deal came with a windfall for his former team, the Orix Buffaloes. The Dodgers paid the Buffaloes $50.625MM to release him from his contract. The Marines will get a fraction of that. If Sasaki signs for $10MM — and there’s a decent chance his bonus will land below that — the team would receive a $2MM posting fee.
The Marines’ loss will be an MLB team’s gain. Evaluators project Sasaki as a top-of-the-rotation starter. He can push into the triple digits with his fastball and has a potentially lethal splitter. His fastball lost a bit of life this past season, though the pitch still sits in the upper 90s. Marquee’s Lance Brozdowski reports (YouTube link) that Sasaki averaged 97.1 MPH this year after sitting at 99 MPH in ’23. That’s well above average for an MLB starter despite trending in the wrong direction.
While the fastball velocity is eye-catching, evaluators suggest his low-90s splitter is his best pitch. He deploys a slider as his top breaking ball, and while that’s not as well regarded as the fastball-splitter combination, it’s a potential above-average offering. The Athletic’s Eno Sarris broke down Sasaki’s pitch mix in greater detail this week.
Writing for Baseball America in 2023, Kyle Glaser projected Sasaki as an ace who’d warrant the first overall pick if he were in the domestic amateur draft. Glaser ranked Sasaki as the most talented non-MLB player in the ’23 World Baseball Classic, one spot ahead of Yamamoto. Sasaki struck out 11 hitters over 7 2/3 innings of four-run ball for Japan’s championship team.
The 6’2″ hurler has posted dominant numbers on a rate basis in NPB. He has a career 2.10 earned run average in nearly 400 innings. This year’s 2.35 ERA was the highest of any of his four seasons. In a relative down year, Sasaki punched out nearly 29% of batters faced against a manageable 7.1% walk percentage.
To the extent there’s a knock against Sasaki, it’s his workload. He has yet to reach 130 innings in any season. He was limited to 111 frames this year and missed time midseason due to an unspecified injury in his throwing arm. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports that he also suffered a torn oblique. The injury history is a concern when paired with his slight velocity dip, but it’s unlikely to dissuade teams from an all-out recruitment. The upside of getting a potential top-of-the-rotation arm far outweighs the minimal cost.
Passan writes that the Marines have not settled on a date when they’ll open the posting window. Whenever they officially post him, Sasaki has 45 days to decide where to sign. It’s possible that’ll carry well into the 2025 calendar. Major League Baseball’s signing periods for international amateurs run between January 15 and December 15 every year. Teams commit the vast majority of that money on 1/15, finalizing contracts that have been verbally agreed upon well in advance.
Sasaki may prefer to wait until the opening of next year’s signing window. Teams already have verbal agreements with amateur players — most of whom are signing out of Latin America at age 16 — for their 2025 bonus window. Clubs could renege on some of those unofficial agreements to reallocate money for Sasaki. Teams are also allowed to trade for international signing bonus space up to a point. A team can acquire up to 75% of its initial bonus pool allotment. A club that knows it won’t have a chance to land Sasaki may be willing to trade most of its bonus space to a team in pursuit of the Japanese star in exchange for other prospects or MLB help.
In April, Baseball America’s Ben Badler published a list of teams’ bonus allotments for the ’25 signing period. The Reds, Tigers, Marlins, Brewers, Twins, A’s, Mariners and Rays have the largest pools at $7.5555MM each. If one of those teams acquired another 75% via trade and devoted the entire allotment to Sasaki, his maximum signing bonus would be around $13.22MM.
He’ll almost certainly sign for far less. If Sasaki were prioritizing money, he’d have waited until he turned 25 and sought a deal that rivaled or beat Yamamoto’s. As was the case with Shohei Ohtani in 2017, Sasaki is leaving hundreds of millions of dollars on the table in the short term to get to MLB right away. All 30 teams will be on more or less even footing financially. His free agency will be about teams’ competitive outlooks, pitching development plans and geographic preferences.
There’s already ample speculation about the Dodgers as a landing spot. They’re certainly well positioned from a competitive and geographic perspective. Financial might isn’t a direct consideration for this free agent, though, and any team could fit Sasaki into the budget if he were genuinely open to all offers.
Image courtesy of USA Today Sports.
buns cherington
oh my
beersy
My thoughts exactly.
User 3222006999
And Cue the trades involving International money space on 3…..2………1 Go!
Longtimecoming
I don’t think the Japan posting system involves international money pool. I mean, the Dodgers didn’t have over 300 million in international pool last year for Yamamoto, right?
I’m not claiming to be an expert on the fine print so I stand ready for correction.
Inside Out
You are incorrect. Yamamoto was not part of it he was free agent as explained in article
Drasco0366
Cubs have 6.2 million. They should have dealt for money at the trade deadline like I suggested but proper planning hasn’t been the Cubs strong suit.
User 3222006999
Drascoo. This probably isn’t about how much teams have in Interntional money. If it was he would have waited two years. It’s about him going where he wants to play, And starting his clock running. He’ll still be getting paid in Arbitration the next few years before he’s 29. It’s not going to stop teams from falling all over themselves to get some Intl. money. But you’re right about Hoyer. Thinking out of the box isn’t his forte’.
myaccount2
@longtimecoming- The difference between Yamamoto and Sasaki is that Yamamoto reached NPB free agency while Sasaki is being posted because he’s still 2 years away. It’s elaborated on a little more in the article.
Stevil
And this could be a major game-changer for Seattle if they’re lucky enough to get him.
Drasco0366
It’s true but having more money could be a tie breaker.
The Dodgers have Ohtani and Yamamoto but the Cubs also were able to land two Japanese superstars in Imanaga and Suzuki. Cubs can also point to their recent run of success in developing pitchers as well as keeping starting pitchers relatively healthy.
rondon
Uncle… The Cubs have a real shot at this kid. I think he will absolutely speak with Shota and Seiya before he makes a decision and I think their opinions will carry some weight. We’re not Jed fans, but he convinced those two guys to sign and they love the team and the city. Who knows? It’s not a foregone conclusion he’s going to the Dodgers.
SgtGrumbles
They already have oodles of pitching. They need bats.
Lets Go DBacks
If I were Japanese, I’d love to play with the best Japanese baseball player in history and one of the best players the world has ever seen: he will sign with the Dodgers. That is the reason why he wants to leave now, because in a bidding war the Dodgers might budge out.
horaceallen
Pitching has not been the Mariners’ issue.
JV
May I suggest a complete review of the material before you attempt to take the quiz??
Still in talks
The article explained it clearly. No need to be an expert or read the fine print to understand.
Stevil
It’s really not about the money, it’s really more about playing where he wants to play.
If health is a concern, and it should be, Seattle should be more appealing than anywhere.
Winning, and having excellent Japanese teammates, are another thing, and maybe they will prove to be more attractive.
WCSoxFan
You are also incorrect.
Yamamoto was posted by the Orix Buffaloes as he had not acquired the 9 years of service time required to be a free agent but he qualified for an MLB contract because he was 25 at the time, as explained in the article.
myaccount2
We have oodles of pitching, but Sasaki has a higher ceiling than everyone on the staff. We could then trade a pitcher for a bat.
myaccount2
Nope, but if we sign another elite SP, we can trade one of the others for a bat.
avenger65
Drasco: It doesn’t matter how much money the cubs have. Sasaki will be in Dodger.blue next season as the Dodgers continue their push to have an all Japanese team.
avenger65
Stevil: Ichiro has got to get more involved. He’s revered in Japan. More players from that country should be playing in the Pacific Northwest.
Drasco0366
In fairness, the Cubs have signed several Japanese players and they all seem to love Chicago. Darvish, even after traded, talked extremely highly of Chicago to Suzuki, who also had interest from San Diego.
camdenyards46
Did you read the article
Rking
Yeah it’s Dodgers no doubt, going to play in the big market and sign big endorsement deals.
User 3222006999
Sgt. Grumbles- Last year proved all over baseball you can never have enough pitching. Stuff Happens.
User 3222006999
Rondon- I have no doubt they’ll be all in on the kid. And Hoyer will get to make a case to the kid. Plus he does have some bullets to shoot as Imanaga, Seiya and even Darvish might help. Cubs are heavily invested in Japan and have probably already talked to him. I hope they get him. It would be coo to get an Ace for a way below average contract. I thought they might make a play for Crochet before Fried even with him being LH for that reason. The Cubs have a lot of things the Sox say they want. Position players. Being able to get Sasaki without having to deal prospects would be fantastic. I’d love to see them sign him. But he might not be posted til December and I hope Hoyer doesn’t wait that long and then lose out on other guys waiting. This is a crucial off season, Hoyer needs to move and move fast. Fingers crossed but Sasaki has a lot if options.
Stevil
You’re right. What was I thinking? It’s not like getting a cheap, dominant starting pitcher could allow them to trade another, more expensive pitcher, for a bat.
User 3222006999
Stevil- My philosophy is get all the good pitchers you can, Then sort it out. It’s never failed as far as I know.
Stevil
Of course, keeping all of them wouldn’t be a terrible idea, either.
It’s just weird that anyone would think Seattle shouldn’t be involved because they already have a solid rotation. We’re talking minimum salary, not a 30-40m AAV.
They really couldn’t go wrong.
Eric Ferrari
Superstars?
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Stevil
I guess, in that it would allow them to trade a starting pitcher, which they already had quite a few good ones, for a needed position player
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Avenger
Yu might be right and Yu might be wrong.
(Dodgers or Padres).
astros_fan_84
He would also make a ton of money immediately on endorsements. The Dodgers would also have some sort of deal to extend him after two years. There are many ways that this makes sense for the player. The most obvious being that he could play with Ohtani.
RedFraggle
Someone didn’t read the article
stymeedone
Detroit has Maeda! And we have Shwarma. Welcome to the Motor City!
stymeedone
You never turn down cheap pitching.
Johnny Devil
If he wants to play with Japanese players stay in Japan
shea
Did you try reading idk the god damned article you’re commenting on?
Fever Pitch Guy
Beersy – My thoughts are a little deeper. LOL!
Why the heck would he delay free agency 4 years just to play MLB the next 2 years?
gbs42
FPG,
My thoughts exactly. He’s foregoing a chance at hundreds of millions in 2 years to spend 6 (or 7) years in pre-arb and arb before getting a shot at maybe 2x what he’d get when he’s 25. And the Marines are giving up 10s of millions.
LordD99
I’m surprised the Marines agreed to this. They cost themselves $50MM or more. They are under no obligation to do this. No other team has done this, at least on this level. I’m surprised he asked his employer to forfeit tens of millions. It might be in his contract, but he had to ask to include it. They should have said no.
Fever Pitch Guy
gbs – Well it’s certainly possible as compensation for getting posted now, whichever team signs him also secretly agrees to add another $100M to whatever they would offer him in free agency 6 years from now.
Never underestimate the power of the secret agreement.
Ma4170
Not everyone is primarily motivated by money, and he knows he’ll still make more than enough if he performs. For example, Ohtani earned ~$42M before FA.
He might also fear injury and would rather be locked into an MLB system before it happens, but thats just speculation.
Fever Pitch Guy
Lord – Secret deals are struck all the time.
Maybe MLB is secretly compensating the Marines?
Maybe the Dodgers are secretly compensating MLB or the Marines?
Let’s face it, without Sasaki coming next season the Dodgers would likely be dishing out a $200M+ contract for Burnes or Snell etc. It would be cheaper to pay the $50M to the Marines.
Fever Pitch Guy
Ma – Ohtani wasn’t a superstar at the time he was posted. Yes he was intriguing because of his ability to pitch, but remember his first three years he batted just .269 with a .843 OPS and the skepticism about his pitching proved accurate as he pitched only 53 innings.
Yamamoto is the much better comp in terms of earning power.
Ma4170
Yes but everyone knew ohtani would be a superstar, hence all the hype. He may just want to compete agajnst the best. Again, not everyone is primarily motivated by money or greed. He knows hell get a lot of money eventually.
Now, couldnt he do an extension after the first year like many young prearb players do? I.e., chourio, acuna, etc
avenger65
gbs42: The money will come. I think he just really wants to play in America.
Cmurphy
LordD, didn’t Ohtani do something similar in 2017 when he signed with the Angels?
realist101
@ Fever Pitch Guy – the other 29 teams would raise holy hell with MLB to void the deal if they get wind of any sort of “secret agreement” where the Dodgers are paying extra money to Chiba Lotte or Sasaki.
As for a future deal w/ Sasaki a few years out – I suppose that’s more likely and tough to prove if it’s a verbal handshake kind of deal. I also wouldn’t count on a team to honor it if he blows out his arm before then or otherwise underperforms in MLB.
beersy
He obviously doesn’t care about the money or else he would just wait.
Fever Pitch Guy
Beersy – I’m hearing his medicals are not good. That would certainly explain the rush to play in MLB.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Maybe the Marines agreed to this when they first got him
Fever Pitch Guy
MLB – That is correct, it’s my understanding he signed with the Marines on condition they would post him whenever his heart desires.
Rexhudler86
@fpg. He could be going the ohtani route knowing his arm won’t hold up til his age 25 season. That’s my speculation. whos going to throw Yamamoto money at him if he’s out for two years.
Fever Pitch Guy
Rex – I agree he could be basically pulling a Giolito.
With your scenario, which I have thought the same, he could still accumulate service time while on the IL at minimal cost to the Dodgers. It’s pretty much the only reason that makes sense to me.
Rexhudler86
@FPG. Yeah dodgers would make sense with dr. elattrache. I guess he could still see him even if signs elsewhere. Definitely should see if he can get a internal brace if it’s minor. It’s only 6 months recovery time.
For people saying he doesn’t care about money. Hes going to want atleast 8 million in international pool money. Meaning if you don’t have it your going to have to pony up so prospects. Still it’s not crazy, because that what skenes got.
Zerbs63
With his injury history fit right in on the Dodgers
Brettlez
People talking about international money. It doesn’t matter, he’s leaving early to play for the dodgers and will make money when he hits free agency in 6ish years. Just another dagger to small to mid market teams and further proving the lack of competitive balance in MLB.
BlueSkies_LA
I’m having a hard time trying to figure out your argument for why a lack of competitive balance leads to Sasaki signing with the Dodgers.
halloffamernobodycares
He likes the color blue so it’s not fair to non-blue teams is the argument.
BlueSkies_LA
Oh, okay! Why do I never think of these things?
Brettlez
You can’t figure out how teams in LA, NY etc have unlimited bankrolls and because of their clout and history, international players flock to them? Meanwhile, these small to mid market teams are left in the dust. They should just make the league 10 teams and have the smaller mid markets in a separate D2 league, similar to college athletics at this point.
BlueSkies_LA
I can’t figure out how a player who can only sign a minor league contract for very limited international bonus money isn’t affordable for every team in MLB. Evidently, neither can you.
Brettlez
He is affordable but it’s his choice where to go. He doesnt care about a few mil in international money when hell get 10s of millions in endorsements. And 100s of million when he hits free agency. He’s not ever going to the pirates or reds for example. They always go to the big markets, in this case he’s made it public he wants to go to LA. I hope you’re playing dumb, big market teams have a massive competitive advantage in mlb.
BlueSkies_LA
You are confusing two different issues. In this case, unlike MLB free agents, the player will go where he wants to play, not to where is paid the most. I hope you are playing dumb by forgetting that in a similar situation Ohtani selected a team that hasn’t been competitive in decades. Smaller market teams can make themselves more appealing to players in this unique situation, but that would require more effort than they are willing to expend. Further, endorsements tend to be national or international, not local.
BlueSkies_LA
And good luck finding anywhere Sasaki says he wants to go to LA. You will find instead that he is clear in wanting to play in MLB. Beyond that, we know only that the Dodgers have scouted him actively for years and built a relationship with him, which could pay off.
Brettlez
Im not confusing them, im saying big market teams have a massive advantsge in both. What big time international players have signed with small market teams? The last one i can remember is Ichiro but that was before Japan players blew up. Since then theyve all gone to SoCal, NY, Chi. The Angels have the 5th biggest market in MLB lol, doesnt matter that they havent been winning. Being in a big market certainly increases the amount and size of endorsement deals you get as well. The larger a fan base the more people your product reaches.
Johnny Devil
So have the Phillies Polluted skies in la
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Aside from general whining, you could say lack of competitive balance makes a handful of teams the Dodgers, Padres, Yankees, Mets and Phillies look the best, and if Sasaki wants to go to a clearly winning team then the rich will get richer. MLB could make under 25 international free agents part of the draft to give weaker teams an edge. This would be true even if there is no hard cap. And in my opinion, for this monopoly, there should be no hard cap without a nine-figure hard floor. But even a cap does nothing to prevent players from creating their own super teams, look at the guys who have taken a pay cut to join LeBron in the NBA.
User 3222006999
Yeah but the difference is most of the International players that get signed every year are ages 16-18 ( Assuming they haven’t had their Birth Records altered). This guy is 23 and an already proven commodity. This is a case that wasn’t planned for and like with Ohtani fell into the cracks of ” Nobody thought of this”. Although I don’t know why because it already happened before. So lets see if MLB wakes up and comes up with a plan this time or just goes huh just like last time. It worked out last time for Ohtani. Although he had something going for him that Sasaki doesn’t. He can hit too if he got hurt.
Brettlez
Whining? Feel like my comments are stating facts. There’s a reason baseball is dying and as a fan of a smaller market team, it’s hard to continue to be so when your team is essentially a D2 program compared to large markets.
BlueSkies_LA
I’m not seeing this as an unanticipated situation, exactly. I hear constantly about the “greedy players” but then when a player decides to leave a lot of money on the table for an earlier opportunity to play in MLB, that’s a problem too. Bottom line, you can create economic incentives and disincentives, but in the end you can’t tell people how to make their own priorities. Other than playing in MLB, we don’t know Sasaki’s career priorities. He might be perfectly happy to spend the first six of his career in Arizona, for all we know — same as Ohtani was happy to spend his in Anaheim.
BlueSkies_LA
Another fact to consider is the 30 owners of MLB have decided collectively on the way the sport is financed. They essentially guarantee profitability to the smaller market teams and then reward them for failure. I wouldn’t call complaining about this system whining. To me it’s more like howling at the moon. The moon is never going to notice.
User 3222006999
And then the smaller market owners shove that money into their pants and make no effort to improve their team which is what it’s supposed to be used for, Cry Poor and run to the nearest racetrack to make bets. So there’s that.
Brettlez
He will not be. Ohtani went to LA/Socal and got massive endorsements. AZ would cost the player 10s of million in endorsements. It’s a pretty easy fix. Make it so International players go to the highest International dollars bidder and have no say in the matter until free agency, similar to drafted players.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
I don’t believe there is any rule against tampering so Yamamoto, Ohtani, Darvish, Shota and Seiya can start lobbying.
Another poster had a great line a year ago, if Sasaki agrees to sign with Colorado, they will rename the team to the Colorado Rokis.
Then Colorado could sign Noah Syndergaard to a one-day contract to have a Thor and Roki bobblehead day.
User 3222006999
Some things I’ve learned since yesterday:
1. Sasaki can only be signed either with 2024 money or 25 money. Most teams have spent their 2024 money already. For instance the Dodgers have 2 million left, The Cubs 200,000.
2. They have to use their 2024 money before 12/15 or lose it.
3. After 12/15 then it resets and now we’re talking 2025 money.
4. Sasaki will almost certainly not be posted until after 12/15. The Japanese team is already taking a bath. They’ll still want as much as they can get.
5. You can see it here:
mlb.com/news/roki-sasaki-faq?t=mlb-pipeline-covera…
Rexhudler86
@unclemike1525. It only matters if he signs with the a’s or the angels. I don’t see that happening. it’s most likely going from 2.5 to 4.5. I feel like it’s a more of a roki thing. Makes sense to open the playing field, and I guess we will see who wins. Ready for the Yankees fans to say he’s overrated when he signs elsewhere.
User 3222006999
One more tidbit I found out to add:
You can only trade for up to 75% of your allotment for each year. In layman’s terms, If you have 6 million allotted the most you can end up with is 10,5 million. Let’s see what happens.
User 3222006999
Rex- He won’t be signing for 2024 money. I’m quite sure he won’t be posted before 12/15. We are definitely talking 2025 money and he has 45 days after that to sign. Somebody is going to hope for the golden prize and miss out on somebody else they could have had ala Ohtani last year thinking they had a shot. This should be fun. The 2 million dollar thing you said isn’t gonna get it done. You’re going to have to put your whole pool into the pot, plus whatever deals you can add.There’s going to be a lot of backdoor arrangements made I have a feeling. Personally I hope Hoyer just goes about business as usual and doesn’t put all his eggs in this basket. But I have doubts based on his previous work.
Rexhudler86
@unclemike1525.i wasn’t thinking about trades. So your right he’s going to pick his team, and say I want this number for the bonus. Teams in top will most likely give up the money for a player or prospect. To get it done for the team he picks. So pretty much it’s going to wipe out the pool money for 2025 plus players. It’s still 100 percent worth it.
FenwayFanatic
Oh boy
Bucket Number Six
Yep, I have him going to the White Sox.
Ham Fighter
Even at gun point he would sign with the white sox
gorav114
Exciting. Be more exciting if my team had a chance at him
Yankee Clipper
Said 29 teams……
Longtimecoming
Clip – I’d say 28 teams. SD has been on the list and involved and got below the tax line and needs a SP for 25 and beyond, and a history and Japanese player of note on roster as well suggesting that they will be a player in the discussion. Maybe used as a pawn by his team but sti, never know.
Yankee Clipper
I hope so, that would be cool.
HHBruin
San Diego has almost no money left for 2024. apnews.com/sports/mlb-2024-remaining-international…
websoulsurfer
The new Int’l FA signing period starts January 15th. As long as he is not posted prior to December 3rd, he can sign after the new period starts. This is obviously not about getting the most possible money or he would have waited 2 years, but the difference between $2.5 million today and waiting 3 weeks or a month to be posted to get 2-3 times that much is just smart.
Pickle_Britches
After 12/15 it resets
sad tormented neglected mariners fan
Roki is such a dodger man
They are going to have ohtani (maybe throwing even harder after surgery) Yamamoto and sasaki on top of glasnow and either a potential FA pickup or kershaw or gonsolin or a young arrow up guy
If Bobby miller fixes his mechanics the dodgers can have 3 STARTERS throwing 100
Sugaman
Dont forget about Dustin May. He should be ready also.
Longtimecoming
There another 50 innings – maybe, depending on how 2nd time works. I recall a few years ago all of the Dodger faithful saying Clevinger would never return to form because of 2nd time recovery stats. I guess they don’t apply to Dodgers. Pencil him in for the 5 spot at a 3.15 ERA.
Add Gonsolin for 50-75 and maybe there is enough to get to End of August between the 10 of them.
Stevil
MLBTR needs to amend the top-50 list and contest.
KamKid
The list is by earning power. Does anyone have more than $7m to give him?
Stevil
I was joking.
gbs42
He’s not a FA.
ChetLemonaid
Detroit has a thriving Japanese culture!
Motor City Beach Bum
That’s why Harris brought in Maeda and has been saving his pennies!
Yankee Clipper
I don’t recall seeing him on her campaign trail though….
Motor City Beach Bum
If he was there he didn’t help her much. Hope he has better luck in baseball!
For Love of the Game
Just shove the full $7.555 mill. into the middle and see if that shows how much he’s wanted in Detroit. He will love it here. When Ohtani came through Detroit, the stadium was packed with Japanese men, women, and kids.
Motor City Beach Bum
Get Maeda to shove it in. Go sign Sugano too. Skubal, Jobe , Sasaki would be a wicked top 3 for years to come.
King Floch
The problem with that idea is that they probably have deals in place with guys already and if they withdraw those offers to give all of their bonus money to Sasaki, it would completely destroy their reputation in the international market.
Same goes for every other team too.
Can we please get a DH?
You do it if it gets you Sasaki tho. All the players you are losing credibility are distant wild cards. Sasaki starts as the ROY favorite with decent Cy Young odds year 1.
Pickle_Britches
He averaged less than 100 inn a year. Top tier aces in MLB throw close to 200 inn. There are relievers who throw more innings. Yea he’s put up good numbers vs Japan players. MLB is much more advanced. Yamamoto was supposed to be so good but he struggled at first because he wasn’t prepared to face more than 2 talented hitters in a lineup like he did in Japan. Darvish was supposed to be elite. He’s been solid never won a CY young. Plus as soon as Sasaki signs he’ll need TJ surgery within 2 years like the others
Hopefully
Right exactly I just pray that Chris ilitch does everything he possibly can do to make sure we get this guy on our team it’s our turn to get a Japanese Ace LOL could you imagine if we got him and signed Corbin Burns along with Alex bregman and dare I say Pete Alonso I know that’s major dreaming there but if and that’s a huge if that somehow happens watch out American League it’s over with lmfao
Dumpster Divin Theo
Like when Detroit beat up Vincent Chin because they thought he was Japanese
sampsonite168
Hard to get excited when he’s blatantly going to be a Dodger.
windycity89
Exactly! It’s all a smoke show. Other teams don’t even really have a chance, because everyone knows where he’s going to end up.
adambnicholas
That’s what makes it easy to get excited!
Dodgerfan34
Come on down and join the party in Los angeles.
This one belongs to the Reds
Why do you think he was posted early so he would be cheaper against the luxury tax number?
NYCityRiddler
Sasaki sends this one to deep center, Cashman back, still back, STILL back….See Ya!! Ahahahaha!
metsin4
Why would he want to go to the Dodgers and be overshadowed his whole career? He should want to go to another big market and market himself.
Wire to wire 2024
That’s probably a factor, as well as the fact that other teams will give him a longer leash to get his footing.
dasit
not an expert on japanese culture but i do know it values group success over individual achievement
rememberthecoop
But there’s geographic preference at play too. I’m sure he would prefer to be on the left coast.
Sugaman
People said the same thing about Yamamoto last year why would he want to go to Dodgers and be overshadowed by otani. you go to 18 no matter what team and prove yourself and make your own history. What you do will always stand out with any team that you play for whether they have a Ohtani, Snell whoever else.
14thor
Ohtani failed to show up in the World Series and his performance was inferior to Yamamoto. No big deal. Overshadowing is not what it is. It’s sharing victory in team sport which is embraced by Japanese culture. Different mindset than you; These are the descendents of people that committed seppuku. Japanese players always consider Los Angeles due to the Japanese population and proximity to Japan. The organization itself is viewed as top shelf for developing their players and achieving success. Bunch of gai-jin’s in the comments don’t understand.
metsin4
That’s not true at all. Ohtani is giving mega endorsements for being Ohtani in Japan. Not because he plays for the Dodgers. They are competing for Japanese endorsement dollars. They wouldn’t be coming to the USA if they were worried about their culture and team competition. They would be worried about making the Japanese league better regarded than the MLB. They are coming to the USA for personal wealth, and personal glory. Japan is a twelve hour plane ride from LA. Not exactly a short trip. There are Japanese players in the MLB not in LA. The Dodgers just paid a billion dollars to the last two.
14thor
Why didn’t Ohtani stay in Anaheim and further pad his career numbers? He didn’t enjoy playing cruise control baseball like Mike Trout. Personal glory and winning championships can contradict. That’s evident in Ohtani choosing the Angels only because he couldn’t DH with the Dodgers. The MLB is widely accepted as the worlds superior talented league so naturally competitors must prove themselves here. Not NPB. Wakaru?
stymeedone
@14thor
Why didn’t he stay in Anaheim? No loyalty? It was all about Money? He heard they had the most Muncy of any team. He wasn’t sure of what Muncy was, but he knew the Dodgers had the most allowed by MLB, and that had to be an advantage!
Tim Stewart
14thor – Ohtani never really chose to leave Anaheim. His agent repeatedly asked for an extension offer. None where given. I don’t think they ever gave ANY offer EVER to extend Ohtani past his original contract. He enjoyed his teammates and was good friends with Trout Ward and others. He clearly liked his time in Anaheim and money was always low on his list of priorities.
BlueSkies_LA
Ohtani was never going to get a competitive offer from the Angels. So whether he got any offer at all is sort of immaterial.
rondon
What if he doesn’t want to go there and play second/ third fiddle to Ohtani? What if Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki, who were stars in their own right, love Chicago and the Cubs, convince him that Wrigley is awesome and he would love the fanbase there? There are other teams with compelling stories as well… It ain’t done yet, boys.
Lets Go DBacks
Everyone will play second fiddle on a team with Ohtani.
rememberthecoop
He’s not signing with the Cubs. He wants to win. Hoyer is not exactly a confidence-inspiring presence, and Ricketts doesn’t’ care enough to get involved. In his mind, he probably feels like he’s already given us a world series, so he’s all about making money at this point.
rondon
Hoyer sold Seiya and Shota and Yu. And for 2 years it won’t be about the money. He’ll either love where he is or move on. I think they’ll at least get him to visit Chicago before he commits. Hey, I think anything’s possible since we don’t know this kid’s mindset at all.
robert-5
Rondon, I agree, Cubs are said to be looking for help at the front of the rotation and having Seiya and Shota in a large market like Chicago should at least buy Hoyer a meeting/visit.
Unless A. He’s already made up his mind where he’s going, or B. He just doesn’t want to sign with a team for geographical reasons (distance home, cold weather, etc.)
deepseamonster32
Is there specific information on Roki’s thinking re:Dodgers, or is this all blind speculation because they’re the Dodgers?
Rking
The thing is he is going to make up the money from not waiting in endorsements by playing in LA. He will easily clear 20 million a year with that.
RonDarlingShouldntBeInTheHallOfFame
The Padres have been eyeing him for the last couple years. Get it done AJ!
beersy
Let’s hope Darvish can be a spokesman for the Padres and help persuade him from signing with the Dodgers (or any other team for that matter).
Gwynning
And here- we- go!
LFGSD
VermonsterSD
It’s all about the timing, if he wants till everyone has a new pool of money, Pads have a chance.
Gwynning
He won’t be posted until the calendar flips, for sure. AJ will find more Int$ until then; 92% possibility we see Cash trades “soon”!
SteveFinleyEnthusiast
I’m in Japan right now. I’ll go pitch the Friars to Roki while I’m here. Besides the vibes, what else would still him on San Diego? Pacers?
Gwynning
Carne asada nachos, Pacers, 75° and sunny…
SteveFinleyEnthusiast
Of course! And the salt and pepper wings from Royal Mandarin, all the home cooked meals from the Filipina aunties, etc. Fingers crossed that AJ scrounged enough change from the couch cushions!
websoulsurfer
Two best Japanese pitchers in MLB history are either in FO or pitching in SD. Nomo and Darvish. Sasaki has been seen wearing Darvish jersey and Padres gear on several occasions.
Stacked team with great young players like Tatis and Merrill that went to NLDS and just need one more starting pitcher (him!), LF and catcher.
Vibes.
San Diego is paradise. 70-75 degrees F (22-23 degrees C) and sunny 300 days per year.
2nd shortest flight to Tokyo Japan.
9 hrs 5 minutes to SFO
9 hrs:35 mins to San Diego on American or Japan Airlines
Its 9 hrs 55 mins to LAX
SteveFinleyEnthusiast
I took that flight a few days ago from San Diego. It’s about time they finally added direct flights. My last two trips only had long layovers available.
Gwynning
Konnichi-wa, b¡*****…!
>.<
MR. Q
Good for MLB, bad for NPB.
Yankee Clipper
You mean, “Good for LAD, bad for MLB,” right?
rememberthecoop
I hope you’re wrong, Clip, but I do think he’s going to LA. That sucks.
MR. Q
Depends, if he’s posted this year then Dodgers has the most international pool money. If next year, it will be a tie between Angels and Padres. But yeah most likely he’ll end up being a Dodgers. Just hope that he can keep his arms healthy as a Dodgers.
NickGarren
dodgers can only offer 5 million.
rememberthecoop
Dodgers don’t have the most pool money. The article tells you which team’s do. And anyway, Sasaki is obviously not about the green, or he would have waited.
BBB
Dodgers have the most money left in their 2024 pool, $2.5 million. If he’s posted soon and signs before Jan. 15 that comes into play.
deepseamonster32
Even if he wants to be a Dodger, he probably could wait until 2025 and get more. Obviously he’s not money obsessed, but $5 million > $2.5 million
Rays in the Bay
@Yankee
Dodgers are a superteam. They just cruised through the playoffs (well, after the Padres) with half their team missing. If Sasaki does join the Dodgers, which I’m absolutely expecting, I really don’t know if I’ll tune in next season or not. Superteams can cover up injuries and throw money at whoever they want. For me, an inquiry to my team is life or death. To the Dodgers, it’s trivial.
3 finger split
So do you get a dollar for every time you bring up the football slider guy? You have mentioned him at least 10 times in this one article…it’s not a new pitch
People get tired of a one thought shill.
LordD99
If you want some vague hope for your team, his favorite player and mentor is Tanaka.
hiflew
OK. Now he can be part of the Dodgers 10 man rotation. That’ll be fun.
just_thinkin
Fun fact, they’re the only team with a 64 man roster!
rememberthecoop
And 8 of them will be on the IL.
halloffamernobodycares
just say they have plenty of pitching depth to overcome the injuries..the Dodgers front office is truly playing chess while the others are playing checkers, plus they have money
hiflew
It’s not “plus they have the money.” They don’t have that much depth in the rotation because they are brilliant tacticians or something. They have that much depth because they can afford it. They can afford to take on bloated contracts like Tyler Glasnow because can afford to pay him while he is on the IL. They can afford to pay those crazy Japanese posting fees on gambles even though Japanese players are not exactly guarantees. Some have worked great, but a lot have failed. It’s the same way they threw money at every single Cuban prospect about 10 years ago. That one didn’t work out as well for them, but they still had the money to do it.
halloffamernobodycares
Yes, they are brilliant tacticians. Where else is there any other team with that many MLB starting pitchers ready to contribute to the rotation? That happened on accident? Kershaw, Gonsolin, May, Buehler, Miller, Ryan, Sheehan, Glasnow, Yamamoto…all high priced arms I guess. The Dodgers brass saw pitchers getting hurt as the average velocity and time in between pitches changed, then adjusted their entire organizational thought knowing guys would get hurt and you didn’t want to be caught desperate for pitching and have to give up in a can’t miss guy to cover the loss. The machine keeps rolling. They used two bullpen games in the World Series and didn’t miss a beat in the playoffs and they have a bunch of guys no one wanted getting outs for them. The Front Office is incredibly advanced in every metric you want.
Yes, they are brilliant.
And they have money.
CantStop27
Being in there with fake injuries. Mlb loves Dodgers so it won’t Crack down on them for them phantom injuries. Let it be another team and they will crack down on them like the Mets and they didn’t even do it like Dodgers
Jerry Hairston Jr's Toupee
Mets got caught cuz someone snitched….
Sugaman
That’ll keep the arms healthy.
hiflew
Why do people think that? Pitching injuries are FAR more numerous under today’s conditions than in the past when there were 4 man rotations and pitchers routinely threw over 200 innings a year. Simple logic would tell you that pitching less is probably not the problem. It might actually BE the problem.
ATLbravos
got cubs and dodgers all over this… wish the braves would pull the trigger on him… the Japanese market is massive and would bring in the much-needed money that their tv deal can’t
showmebb
I thought the consensus was that he would stay in Japan for a couple of years. So much for that.
Badfinger
You mean the media was wrong? I’m shocked! Shocked I say!!
YankeesBleacherCreature
The consensus was always that Chiba Lotte Marines are not going to post him which is understandable.
rememberthecoop
You’re right @YBC, this is quite a surprise. But as long as he doesn’t join the Dodgers, it will be great for MLB because literally, any team can afford him.
LordD99
Sure. The consensus made sense because it didn’t make sense he’d be posted now because the player would have to surrender a couple hundred million while his team would have to surrender at least $40MM by posting early. So the consensus made sense. This doesn’t make sense.
Longtimecoming
“stop making sense, stop making sense ….” – David Byrne
metsin4
Because coming to the US and the lifestyle has a very high value to it.
bob9988 2
I reject that premise. not everyone thinks the US lifestyle is so much better, if better at all. Don’t discount the Japanese lifestyle.
SweetBabyRayKingsThickThighs
Poor Chiba giving in and posting him a year early.
mlbnyyfan
Sounds perfect for the Yankees. However, lately, they have had a terrible track record throwing money at the wrong players. Ellsbury instead of Beltran, Trading for Stanton instead of getting Harper, Rizzo instead of Freeman, signing Hicks,Rodon,DJL. The never-ending list. I also think Cole should not have been brought back. Yankees spend money while it’s been great, but it’s been on the wrong players.
Rays in the Bay
Seeing as how adamant and open Sasaki was to play in MLB I’m sure Chiba didn’t have much of a choice.
King Floch
Yeah, they are leaving tens of millions of dollars on the table by doing this. Absolutely idiotic.
MacGromit
depends on what it is that you measure personal success with.
maybe in terms of dollars but that’s not all there is in life, especially after a certain amount of financial stability.
King Floch
We’re talking about the team, not Sasaki himself.
Jack Dawkins
I suspect that the Marines are worried about upsetting harmony in their clubhouse. Rostering a player who clearly doesn’t want to be there is not a good situation.
BobinTexas
Hot stove now completely on fire with this news on top of the Soto sweepstakes! I can’t imagine he’ll go anywhere else but to LA. The defending champs may have the 3 best Japanese players signed before we flip the calendar to 2025!
pohle
good morning, mlbtr!
Yankee Clipper
That’s it, I’m done watching MLB!!!!
– until February.
YankeesBleacherCreature
So who do you have winning the Premier 12 tourney, Clip?
Yankee Clipper
Got to go with my beloved USA!
rememberthecoop
This is HUGE. I hope the Dodgers don’t get him. I know that the Cubs, Dodgers and Mets have been to Japan to see him and I’m sure other teams have as well. He is a generational talent. He is so damn good. Whoever gets him will have an ace.
LordD99
Every team has sent contingents to see him, including the Red Sox, Yankees, Padres, etc. He’s not going to the highest bidder. He’s going to where he wants to go. Likely Dodgers, almost certainly west coast.
James Midway
So it begins
Bob Booey
We all know he is headed to the Dodgers to play with Ohtani and Yamamoto. Murakami is likely to be posted in February and sure he will be playing 3B for LA as well.
Good for LAD.
gbs42
Players have to be posted by mid December.
Sugaman
Good… then we can trade Muncy!! Mr strike out!!
Wren
as a 50 year Dodger fan its awesome to have a great team. as a baseball fan i think the process needs to change to keep it interesting. no idea how you do that without denying an individual the opportunity to make the most of their talent monetarily. that said, what number would you like Sasaki san?
gbs42
He’s not getting more than a few million because he’s not a free agent.
Wren
ty and i realized that after reading on about the situation. not familiar w every in and out of these signings but apparently his age makes the difference and he can not negotiate like Yamamoto did. instead he will be subject to standard draft rules. still going to be a Dodger and they have the most international cash stock piled so nice planning as well on their part.
Rexhudler86
@wren if he signs after January 1st. Teams can use this year’s and next. Dodgers will probably edge everyone because of the training facility, and doctors.
deepseamonster32
Each year’s International amateur bonus pool is use-it-or-lose-it. No rollover
Rexhudler86
@deepseamonster32. Ty. I thought it did. Just realized it resets to the new numbers. Either way he’s going to wait.
14thor
Stop denouncing the moves of the Dodgers. You should remember the decade plus of watching every premier free agent pass the dodgers without mention straight to Yankees and Red Sox. Including Tanaka and Matsui. Players can sign where they choose, it’s their choice so it must be respected. Dodgers aren’t holding guns to their heads. When these guys sign with small market teams casual fans cry about players like Ohtani wasting their careers without the big stage. They sign with a big money team like the Dodgers to win, they do win and they’re hated. Can’t make this crap up.
PrintTheWorldSeriesTickets
So Dodgers will get him
Then let dodgers be independent from major league
and play their own World Series.
Sugaman
Don’t hate on the Dodgers because the kid wants to play for the World Series team. that’s like saying I hate on the guy who buys the biggest house because I can’t afford that house that’s just the nature of the game.
Rays in the Bay
Dodgers will throw their whole sink at this guy instead of Soto. He’s a Dodger. Most Japanese players wanna play with Ohtani as a teammate and be closer to home (Japan).
I said this a while ago but the Dodgers are a superteam not restricted by finances nor allure. Hope everyone enjoys watching them in the World Series every year.
theonlydynasty
It’s not about finances. The rays can afford the contract he’s gonna get. It’s his choice which he kinda made last year
Rays in the Bay
The Rays can’t afford the posting fee. Most teams can’t or won’t pay it. So it is half about finances. Touche that he’ll likely earn a rookie salary, but whichever team can promise him a bigger contract in the future will have a better chance of signing him.
User 3222006999
The posting fee will be peanuts in this case. They can only get paid whatever International money the teams have. Which is nothing. Even the A’s could afford it. If he had a snowball’s chance in he** of going there to play in a minor league park. Doubt that’s what he has in mind though.
gbs42
RinB,
Read the article. The posting fee will be tiny, only $1M-2M.
Rexhudler86
@unclemike yeah everyone team can do it, but it’s going to require this year’s pool money and next. he can get both if he signs after the January 1st. I doubt the rays will give that up. Since that how they build their team.
LordD99
The Rays absolutely can afford the posting fee in this case. They also have a big chunk of money for international signings. But can they afford a roof? (Sorry, couldn’t resist).
They should be one of the leaders, but the issue is there probably is only one team he wants to pitch for. The Dodgers. He’s making the choice to come over now. It’s not about money, which normally would work to the Rays advantage. It won’t here, nor will it work for 29 other teams.
User 3222006999
Rays can afford a new roof. Because it isn’t their roof. It’s the cities roof. The city is screwed because they were building a new stadium anyway and now it makes no sense to put a new roof on a building to tear it down whenever the new one is finished. Bad situation.
Rays in the Bay
@gbs
Fair enough. Perhaps the Rays could afford him. But unfortunately, if he gets to choose, he’s likely never coming anywhere close to the Rays
Rays in the Bay
@Lord
Agreed. His list is likely already down to 5 teams. California teams + Mariners. Maybe Cubs/Red Sox/Yankees/Mets.
If he’s looking for geography, competitiveness, and future money, the current Rays cannot supply him with any of these. They also can’t really supply a stadium to play inside
User 3222006999
Rex Hudler- You cannot use more than one year of Intl money at a time. This years pool is set. All you can do is trade for some with another team. You can trade it, You CANNOT combine it.
Rexhudler86
@uncle Mike I got confused with the totals thinking it rolled over. Either way I’m sure he’s already making his list of teams to wait it out.
YankeesBleacherCreature
I’m skeptical of the amount but there is reason behind the Dodgers’ madness…
x.com/FoulTerritoryTV/status/1854960465903763800?t…
halloffamernobodycares
He’s not gonna cost much because he can only have a minors contract. Dodgers can conceivably end up with both, just like every other big market team in on Soto.
Steve E.
This is gonna be GREAT theater. A highly promising player, at an affordable price, coming off a season ride with unspecified, vague arm injuries. The Dodgers will sign him, which means he’ll have TJ surgery five minutes later.
King Floch
Holy crap, what a terrible decision by the Marines and Sasaki.
He would easily get a 9 figure deal if he waited and the Marines would get a huge posting fee, like tens of millions of dollars. They’re leaving so much money on the table if he accepts a contract this offseason. So stupid.
tigerdoc616
I would agree, but Ohtani did the same thing. Turned out OK for him and I think that has a factor in this. The kid will be 29 when he hits free agency again so if all goes well he will get his chance at making bank. Waits two years and he gets a much bigger contract but unless it is a short term deal he hits free agency at an older age where earning power starts to decline. Plus, I think he just wants to play Major League Baseball. He is going to be rich either way.
LordD99
Ohtani is a unicorn. A once-in-a-century player. He has massive endorsement contracts, allowing him to come here early at lower cost with the Angels and then to structure his Dodger contract with deferred money. I doubt this kid has anywhere near Ohtani’s estimated $50MM a year in endorsements.
BlueSkies_LA
I always laugh when I hear Ohtani described as a unicorn. Last I checked, unicorns were mythical beasts. I’m pretty sure Ohtani actually exists. A black swan is a much better animal analogy for Ohtani. This is a beast that is assumed not to exist because it is so rare, but does exist. This is Ohtani.
Rexhudler86
@blueskies_LA. Fine what about a mewto. That was a rare Pokémon the first three years before I stopped following.
BlueSkies_LA
You got me there. I’ve never played that game.
Longtimecoming
Jackalope anyone?
Gwynning
While I see and concede your financial points, it sounds like Roki just really wants to be a Major Leaguer “now” and ultimately, that’s his prerogative.
King Floch
I get that he really wants to make the jump, but he’s only going to get like 1% (or less) of what he would by simply waiting another year or two.
That is objectively a bad financial decision.
EHenderson
That’s enough, Gwynning.
Gwynning
You said it, EH! Aloha
Rexhudler86
@king Floch it was most likely in his Japanese contract they been saying for years he’s coming to the mlb at 23.
King Floch
I doubt it was in his contract. Japanese teams treat guys under their control like property even more than MLB teams.
Nomo had to repeatedly piss his Japanese team off and then pretend to retire to get the chance to make the jump to MLB before he reached his 9 years of service time to become an unrestricted free agent.
Rexhudler86
@king Flock. It’s all apples and oranges. Darvish, ohtani, Yamamoto,sasaki were let out early, because they had something worked out in the contracts. Otherwise your right because dice k, nomo,senga, imanaga would held hostage, and came later.
pepenas34
Some people don’t understand that not all decisions are base purely on money. He knows he is getting paid and is betting on him self, the team we can guess had no choice eider by a clause or a verbal agreement.
There are many examples of players of different sport, leaving behind money to play in better leagues.
14thor
The one that is “so stupid” is telling the kid that wants to pitch in the MLB that it’s a terrible decision to prioritize your dreams over money.
lucas0622
I think a lot of people are misunderstanding the contract that Sasaki will be able to get. I do think he ends up going to the Dodgers, but not because they’re giving him an absolute boatload of money. In fact, since he’s so young, he’s going to be ineligible for anything more than the standard minimum salary contract his first three league years. So, in theory, money shouldn’t be a factor for this
Astros2017&22Champs
Noone is misunderstanding. He’s under 25. But he’s still allowed to choose where he goes. That is literally not competitive balance.
Steve E.
Correct.
tigerdoc616
This will cost him a lot of money. Had he waited two years he would have been a full free agent. But he is now subject to IFA bonus pools. Assuming the posting will occur after 12/15 the Dodgers and Giants will have $5.1M and change in their pool on the low end, and several teams including my Tigers will have $7.5M and change on the high end. Honestly, that isn’t going to matter much if he pushed his team to post him. He will sign where he wants and the money difference won’t make much difference.
User 3222006999
It’s not going to cost him that much money. Maybe at first , But he’ll make it up on his first FA deal or the team can re sign him. Not sure how soon but if he’s as good as advertised he’ll get paid.
YankeesBleacherCreature
The MLB exec consensus then was $200M+ and 7 or 8 years for Ohtani had he waited. And that number was from 7+ years ago.
Astros2017&22Champs
It doesn’t bother me that the dodgers have a high payroll. It’s perfectly fair in my eyes with their market. What isnt fair is their direct location to Japan and the propensity for elite japanese players continually wanting to go their only. If they get sasaki MLB is going to have to do something in the next CBA. You can’t have this.
King Floch
What are they going to do, tell Japanese players that they can’t choose what team they sign with? Who gets to decide for them instead? Rob Manfred?
Astros2017&22Champs
Its called an international draft
King Floch
Never happening.
What else ya got?
Zenslinger
Japanese teams limit the number of foreign players each team can have. ♂️
deepseamonster32
American leagues may be limited by US laws in limiting specific nationalities per team. Not sure exactly on the legality of non-citizen work rules, but limits on a specific nationality (Japanese, Dominicans, Venezuelans, etc) may violate federal law.
Fever Pitch Guy
King – Yep, it saddens me how some people want those in authority to tell people what to do. They want to take away people’s right to live how they choose to live, even when those people’s individual choices do no harm to anyone else.
receo
So, you want MLB and the Players Association to punish the Dodgers? For what?
Fever Pitch Guy
Astros – You’re missing a huge, huge point.
Southern California has the largest Japanese American population in North America.
And you think MLB would have a problem with Japanese players playing in Southern Cal because why? Generating too much revenue?
Jerry Hairston Jr's Toupee
Cry into the trash can, Karen….
tigerdoc616
For the record, this is what Ohtani did. His first contract included a bonus of $2.3M.
Rexhudler86
@tigerdoc616. The rules are different now. That’s when you could trade it. I know the angels got axford from the braves for 500k. Probably because ohtani had a minimum demand. Angels were like 4th in bonus money.
Joemo
Congrats LAD on your new pitcher.
Would have loved for him to come to the Red Sox but with a relatively even playing field for his contract (since he’s posted early, teams can’t just throw money at him) it’s going to be hard for other teams to compete with the opportunity to play with Ohtani and Yamamoto.
King Floch
On the plus side, the Orioles’ chances of re-signing Corbin Burnes probably just went up a little since the Dodgers just had another ace fall into their laps and may not pursue Burnes now.
MacGromit
Why do the Dodgers need to choose “either/or”, why not “both/and”?
King Floch
The Dodgers definitely need starting pitching for the start of the year but also have a bunch of guys coming back from injury at some point in 2025, so I’m not sure I see them adding multiple aces, especially when they are getting one for peanuts now and have holes in the OF and at SS to fill. Sasaki falling into their laps for pennies on the dollar potentially allows them to take the money they had earmarked for an ace this offseason and apply it to signing Soto or Adames or Hernandez or Santander.
Fever Pitch Guy
Mac – The Dodgers will eventually have Glasnow, Yamamoto, Ohtani and Sasaki longterm with May and Kershaw returning next year and Stone, Ryan and Sheehan returning in 2026.
There is absolutely no need for Burnes or any other expensive longterm commitment. The Dodgers are big spenders, but even they have their limits.
King Floch
Stop trying to steal credit for the sweeper, Roger.
King Floch
You didn’t invent the sweeper, Roger.
King Floch
Whatever you say, Roger.
Good luck with your crusade to steal credit for the sweeper.
King Floch
If you say so, Roger.
User 3222006999
Cubs tried to make Tallion throw that stupid sweeper. He was horrible the first couple months until he tossed that pitch into the dumpster and got back to his curve ball. Teach people how to throw a change up and you’d be doing them a real favor. Carlos Marmol threw a great one. Nobody ever swung at it( Except probably Javy Baez), And where is he now? Pumping gas in South America I bet.
EHenderson
That’s enough, Baatza.
King Floch
mjstopitgetsomehelp.gif
Fever Pitch Guy
Roger – Let’s summarize what you are trying to accomplish here.
1) Trying to take credit for “inventing” a pitch that has led to a sharp increase in pitcher injuries because the sweeper puts tremendous stress on the inner elbow and strain on the arm. (confirmed by Dr. Keith Meister among others).. FACT: It took all of 4 ST innings for Giolito to blow out his elbow after starting to throw the sweeper.
2) Trying to take credit for advising Brent Strom during the 2024 season. The same Brent Strom who, during that same season in his third year with essentially the same pitching staff, took his staff from 20th-best to 27th best and was immediately fired for doing so.
So tell me again why you are working so hard to take credit for the 2024 DBack pitching failure, and Strom’s firing, and a fad pitch that is known for causing serious injuries?
What else do you want credit for, inflation and crime?
User 3222006999
To summarize. The sweeper sucks. Even bad hitters don’t swing at it. It’s easily recognized from the hand and hardly ever ends up in the strike zone. See-Carlos Marmol. Taking credit for a pitch Carlos Marmol was throwing badly 20 years ago is just foolish. Taking credit for inventing a bad pitch that you really didn’t invent is just necrophilia? I don’t know what else to call it. The pitch should die.The pitch is as the man said hard on the elbow. If you want to teach someone a pitch teach them a change up. Kyle Hendricks has been living in MLB for 10 years throwing slow, Slower, Slowest. Nobody can control a sweeper. Umpires never call the sweeper a strike. There is no reason to throw one see Jameson Tallion whose worst stretch of his career is when he tried to throw it last year. So let the sweeper die. Let the guy who invented it die. Let the guy whose bragging about it die. End of story.
chrcritter
Unfortunately the Dodgers get him for 6 years for peanuts. He’s made it very clear he wants to play there with Shohei and Yamamoto
VermonsterSD
He actually hasn’t made anything of the sort “very clear”. He has said very little, ita all assumption at this point.
AM21
Newest Dodger, no doubt.
YankeesBleacherCreature
Sasaki simply wants to compete at the highest level so whatever int’l pool money teams have available will be a non-factor for him. Choose wisely, Roki, and don’t pick the Angels.
WooMai55
He’s going to the Dodgers and will get the Japanese merchendise/sponsorship money to offset the limited Minor League contract.
The Dodgers will find a way.
King Floch
They could also have a handshake agreement in place beforehand that they will either tender him contracts all through his arb years regardless of health and performance or sign him to an extension right away.
Either way, he will absolutely be a Dodger on opening day 2025.
Sin65
He is going to the Dodgers so there is nothing to get excited about.
King Floch
For someone who “isn’t” Roger Beshens, Baatza sure does speak authoritatively about things that only Roger should know, like the contents of Roger’s private conversations that totally happened and weren’t just made up for clout.
Really makes you think 😉
ArianaGrandSlam
Tommy John soon or later, might as well do it now.
MacGromit
Forget what his future MLB club can officially pay him… this is about who can best bring endorsement deals to him. It’s like an NIL enticement for a college recruit. That puts the big markets in the best situation. Theoretically, a well connected owner could also make a call to his/her buddy and line something up (Mariners and Nike?) but it seems teams like Baltimore are going to be behind the 8-ball unless he is fully focused on a contending team (vs the White Sox, even if they could hook him up on sponsorships).
Bring it on, makes for a nice dramatic twist to the off-season.
CyberDork
Wow, Dodger’s 2025 6 man rotation
GLASNOW
YAMAMOTO
OHTANI
KERSHAW
BUEHLER
SASAKI
Longtimecoming
None of which will likely make it past 110-120 innings!
Luis_Fazenda
@Longtimecoming
Of those listed, unless the Dodgers put him on a short leash (entirely probable), I’d give Ohtani half a shot to eclipse your number….but only because he’s got a fresh “warranty”. I wouldn’t push my chips forward past next year though.
CarolinaCubsandKush
That could be the biggest Floor to Ceiling gap rotation in MLB history.
Salzilla
Changing the Top Fifty contest or…?
Also, this notion that LAD has all Jaoanese players on lock is ridiculous.
mrmackey
Can some other West Coast team step up please and not let this guy be a Dodger? Either that or move the Dodgers to Japan.
Rexhudler86
@mrmackey. Sasaki can pick whoever. the money isn’t going to be much different. Sure teams will have a extra 1-2, but would he choose a crappy situation for that. I’m sure it starts with a major league rotation spot, and comes down to who has a better training facility, coaches, and doctors.
receo
Well, if you move the Dodgers to Japan, are you going to move the remaining teams to the Dominican Republic?
Mtog
I have it from a good source that he’s on a plane to Toronto as I write this, and Kikuchi is going to sign there as well. He’s going to act as the translator to the translator for him. Free sushi and whistle dogs for 6 years and a lifetime subscription to Rogers Sportsnet are in the deal.
King Floch
Did you hear that from Arson Judge?
SadHaloFan95
At least we still have football
GabeOfThrones
Just not the Dodgers, for the sake of the sport…
GabeOfThrones
But looking at the comments, I guess we all already know he’s definitely going to the dodgers. Ohtani and 6 years of Sasaki for $710m looks like a steal now…
GabeOfThrones
This is basically an NIL deal.
rhswanzey
Is there any minimum period of time that needs to pass before a player in Sasaki’s position can be extended, after signing the minor league contract?
i.e. can a team sign Sasaki for their bonus pool in January, and then extend him at 8/280 in July? Is there any rule preventing that?
Rexhudler86
@rhswanzey. I believe he has to wait until the arb years. That’s when people were saying ohtani should’ve been resigned.
Wire to wire 2024
I think the article says the league can block something like that
carlos15
Once a team acquires him nothing says they can’t extend him to some ridiculous deal. I would think whoever is making those overtures wins, which is still most likely the Dodgers
LordD99
MLB will prevent it because it will be a clear violation of the rules. That’s why it didn’t happen with Ohtani.
norcalblue
Actually, you’re incorrect LD. Young players are now being extended before they even play their rookie seasons. Chourio.
EHenderson
Bet 9 grand that he wouldn’t go to MLB and the bookie is calling and leaving messages nonstop and don’t know how going to pay him
Butter Biscuits
I do think he ends up in the NL west but the Mariners have a big opportunity here too
Luis_Fazenda
In all seriousness (sadly), yet another Tommy John casualty waiting to happen.
If Dr. Neal ElAttrache was a publicly traded company, I’d buy stock.
Echopark
Correct. But you still want him, right?
seamaholic 2
Yeah but he’s so young and so cheap you sign him and don’t care.
The Halos
He’s doing this so the Dodgers can sign him for cheap so they aren’t going way over the luxury tax threshold (I’m sure Shohei talked to him & the owners) Dodgers will win another World Series make more Billions of dollars so they sign him when he becomes a free agent as well.
Dodgers are a MLB monopoly board right now with Hotels everywhere with no where to land it’s not fair.
Somebody needs to put an end to this cheating Dodger team
Rexhudler86
@the halos. I’ve been seeing this since sasaki was 18 that he was coming over at 23. Same age as ohtani. That’s most likely the youngest that Japan allows. He’s going to pick location and somewhere that guarantees him a rotation spot. He hasn’t thrown many innings so he most likely will have a innings restriction as well.
The Halos
Fell right into the Dodgers lap.
Digdugler
Congrats Dodgers
hllywdjff
He would thrive in Seattle…Go get him Jerry
CarolinaCubsandKush
Interesting. This guy must be crazy competitive like Ohtani to leave Yamamoto money on the table. It’s clearly Dodgers vs field for landing spot.
This is the best cheap add Jed could make for the Cubs. If he managed to steal him like he did with Shota, it might just save his job. Hopefully he has urgency for once in his tenure and surprises this fan base.
CP77
The sense is that he wants to be a dodger.
jpauly12
I haven’t seen anyone mention the extra incentive to signing with LA: the lucrative sponsorship deals from playing parallel to Yoshi and Shohei. I know leaving NPB early signals it’s not about money, but LA makes a pretty good case monetarily even if they don’t have the largest international pool.
Rexhudler86
@jpauly12. I’m sure he already has Japanese deals. People have been talking about him being the next big thing since he started. Just like Yamamoto, and ohtani. I’m sure he has billboards all over Japan as well.
Echopark
Yes. With the Dodgers, all his games will be already be televised and watched in Japan.
If the Dodgers get the three most marketable players from Japan, I’d expect a Japanese company to pay a fortune for jersey naming rights. I think the Guggenheim G patch was a temporary placeholder because they couldn’t put together a huge deal after Ohtani and Yamamoto signed.
Yo
Welcome to the Dodgers
Echopark
If Roki is posted this signing period, I don’t know who get’s the prize. But I do know who comes in second: the Royals.
The Dodgers have 3,125 million left to spend. The only other team in the ball park is the Royals with a little over 4 million left to spend – so, who are they going to get in exchange for that bonus pool money going to the team that gets Roki?!
seamaholic 2
No that has nothing to do with it. Roki is a megastar in Japan. His income will be 80% or more off the field. He will go to a big city with a large Japanese population and media presence, period. NYC, LA, SF, maybe SD but very unlikely. Extreme outside possibility CHI. No one else should bother asking.
Echopark
You don’t think even the Dodgers wouldn’t get him an extra 4 million via the Royals?
Echopark
I think those teams are probably right. You can’t leave the Mariners out though. I am guessing LA and SD have inside track. The Dodgers are already setting up for a 6 man rotation, so that’s slightly in their favor. This guy for sure needs a 6 man rotation.
FanDan
New York or LA. Most likely LA. It’s the non-baseball $ from being in a mega media market that will seal the deal.
Echopark
If he does not get posted this period, a team is going to have to reneg on it’s 2025 international commitments — I’ve been looking for a list of who is going where in the 2025 International class (nobody is officially signed of course, but they’ve been shadow signed for probably two years by now). Does anyone have that list?
Rexhudler86
@Echopark. That’s probably what’s going to happen. He’s going to get the remainder of this year and all of the 2025 money.
seamaholic 2
No you can’t combine different years’ caps. He doesn’t care what his bonus is. He figures he’ll triple it in off-field stuff if he goes to the right city (LA or NYC).
Longtimecoming
Arraez to Seattle or Detroit for all its pool money.
good vibes only
No thanks! Arraez is definitely interesting and unique but living proof that BA doesn’t matter in today’s game. 1 WAR player that gets talked about way too much.
frankf
If the Cubs are not at least a serious suitor here, I will be very disappointed.
seamaholic 2
What do you mean “serious suitor”? Every team will offer the same or nearly the same money. He knows where he’s going.
edred51
After every team offers a contract it’s back to a preplanned signing deal with the Dodgers just like Yamamoto and Ohtani
Heels On The Field
The Commissioners Office had better announce that he will have 29 teams to choose from and none of them will be named “Dodgers”.
If not then this will get ugly. The MLB draft exists in part to prevent this kind of outcome. So does the payroll tax.
johncoltrane
Sasaki has potential to be the next pedro, degrom, kershaw… is the consensus that he’s gonna choose LAD?
The biggest young FA bat ever & potentially best young arm ever, this gonna be amazing offseason
rayw
He’d look good in black and orange!
Mollysdad15
99.9% he will be a Dodger. There’s no drama here, Sucks for everyone else, but this is a done deal. I wish I was wrong
Cubs Kev
So you’re saying there’s a chance!?!
Ma4170
Is it really a foregone conclusion he’ll be a dodger? What are the realistic chances he ends up in another org like SD, SF, Seattle, Chicago, NY?
Rexhudler86
@Ma4170. Well money is pretty much the same across the board unless he chooses the a’s. I’m guessing it will come down To location, doctors, and training facilities. Dodgers has alot of teams beat in those categories.
YankeesBleacherCreature
And whomever offers him the most enticing off-field marketing package. There are teams discussing contingency deals with ad agencies probably today.
seamaholic 2
This will be the main thing. So he’ll only go to a city with a big Japanese media presence. So … L.A. or NYC. Good luck if you’re anyone else.
MacGromit
@Rex
itd be hysterical if he decides to go slumming it with the Athletics in a shocker.
Rexhudler86
@macgromit. That would be funny. the a’s will most likely be the team to trade the money to the team he picks for a player or prospects.
Jar8
Dodger for sure
YankeesBleacherCreature
Dave Roberts is taking Japanese lessons.
johncoltrane
Does his translator have a secret draftkings account ?
Rexhudler86
@markbrunell hopefully because draftkings isn’t illegal.
Ham Fighter
If there were any other teams in the running besides the dodgers would be
Cubs
Yankees
Red sox
Padres
Niekro floater
Let’s Go Dodgers !!! The stars are aligning … again. He can play w/his team Japan teammates in LA, 1 being the greatest player on planet the other being highest paid P on planet. All Dodgers gota do is show em tape of WS.
terry g
It’s his choice where he wants to land. All 30 teams can afford him. He’s never thrown more than 130 innings so he’ll likely be limited. He’ll decide. I don’t think GM’s will have that much they can pitch to sign him. It’s his call not a money call
empirejim
It’s his call, for sure. But the money WILL have to follow. He’s not going to play for league minimum forever. He’ll want a team that can afford to pay him AND a team well positioned to maximize his endorsement opportunities. The Dodgers would appear to be the Scott Boras of player marketing in this current age.
norcalblue
It’s a very different game re: extending young talent than in 2017 when Shohei signed.
Given the precedent that has now been set on extensions (Chourio comes to mind) I think Roki could easily be extended with a $1-200 million plus contract in his first year. Certainly, once he establishes himself in a MLB rotation.
3 finger split
This has San Diego all over it…Sasaki looks up to Yu Darvish and AJ Preller speaks Fluent Japanese and they WILL spend the money
Niekro floater
Ohtani looked up to Darvish too. They all do he’s there Japanese boyhood idol who brought his game to America. Preller’s got his foot in the Far East door but Dodgers smashed that door open by obtaining Ohtani n Yamamoto. They all looked up to Nomo n are Dodger fans by osmosis because he was the 1st Asian P to really succeed in mlb. Plus Dodgers handle Ps a certain way that’ll benefit Roki coming off only 130 inns n only starting 1 gm a wk as they do in NPB. Like Dodgers odds alot.
VermonsterSD
@ Niekro
Curious statement, since Nomo now with the Padres, and the only way the Dodgers handle pitchers is to make sure they break own and spend lots of time on the IL.
I still think he ends up in LA, but let’s not act like there isn’t a chance he goes to SD.
websoulsurfer
Nomo is in Padres FO and he is a former teammate and best friend of Masato Yoshii, Sasaki’s manager with the Chiba Lotte Marines.
debubba
I wonder if solid pitching development teams would be in the mix along with the teams with established Japanese stars. Do the Rays, Guards and Brewers have any shot at this guy?
runningwithnailclippers
Not to beat a dead horse, but we all know where he is going to sign. At that point, said team will be trully close to unbeatable when it comes to poststeason time. Not whining, but just jealous. 🙂 I mean, if other teams start losing fan interest due to losing their fanbase shifting to said team, doesn’t MLB have to do something? Like maybe somesort of hybrid salary cap/tax system? Again, not going to happen.
tj13
This is a perfect way to complain that you were right when in your head you whiffed. Cool comment, dude.
tj13
This feels like an opportunity for a team like the Guardians. A “small market” team who present themselves as shackled financially. Everyone in the world would know it’s a temporary situation. He immediately becomes the number 1 in a mid pressure envirnment. No crazy media pressers. Plus the trade power of this kid in 2-3 years will be mighty plus the pedigree of having worked with great PC.
GabeOfThrones
What is this madness?
Old York
I can’t help but wonder how his injury history will hold up in MLB. He’s clearly got electric stuff and the potential to be a top starter, but even pitching just once a week, he still ran into injuries a few times each season.
Rexhudler86
@oldyork. He might’ve have something going on he lost a couple inches on his vertical and horizontal pitches, and sat a couple times for “rest”. Won’t know until teams can check him out. Still not going to stop anyone from signing him. It’s like getting skenes on the cheap and he most likely will have the same problem.
PhilliesFan91
This is the time for Dombrowski to make a big splash on the international market.
LeeJPC
It was a big topic in the Philly press that when the Phillies had the highest bid in for Yamamoto, that it may not land Yamamoto but could open future opportunities in the Japanese player pool for Philly, and specifically mentioned Sasaki.They showed they are serious about top-shelf talent in Japan and willing to show the HUGE money (although top dollar isn’t the consideration here, but down the line they’d obviously proven they’re willing to spend big). While it certainly may be a long, long shot because of the advantage the Dodger have, the Phillies may have one of the better chances among the other 29 teams.
PhilliesFan91
Maybe Sasaki doesn’t wanna go to LA , If I was him I would go somewhere else so he can be his own star & not be behind Yamamoto & Ohtani. Philly would be a great spot.
Wheeler
Nola
Sasaki
Ranger
Sanchez & Painter coming
Dodgers don’t need him
ClevelandSteelEngines
Dodgers have one of the lowest international free agent pools remaining. Who knows whether he goes to them now. Ohtani went to the Angels. All Japanese players don’t just sign with the Dodgers, they go all over the country.
Rexhudler86
@Cleveland. Ohtani liked the area obviously, but he would’ve went to the dodgers if the nl had a dh. Maybe sasaki likes Oakland. It’s anyone’s guess.
empirejim
If it was about money Sasaki would wait 2 years and sign a record deal. Since he isnt waiting the obvious conclusion is that money is not his primary goal. So if you aren’t playing for the biggest check possible, what are you playing for? Rings. The best chance to get repeated rings. He knows the money will follow. So where do you think he’d be best positioned to have a shot at multiple rings? 30 choices, only a few real contenders.
seamaholic 2
His money will come off the field, like Ohtani.
rct
“Dodgers have one of the lowest international free agent pools remaining.”
This is not true. The opposite, actually. They have the highest until mid-December when it resets. *Then* they’ll have the lowest pool.
Dodgers have $2,502,500. Next highest is Baltimore at $2,147,300, followed by the Yankees at $1,487,200.
Eric Ferrari
Welcome to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
hllywdjff
The Mariners were really the first mlb team that tapped heavily into the Japanese market so if they want to go after him they have the playback to get it done. Ichiro can talk him into it.
websoulsurfer
From everything I am reading from Japan, the Marines are going to wait until after the Winter Meetings on December 8-11th to officially post Sasaki. After they officially post him, teams will have 45 days or until around January 23rd to meet with him and sign him.
Waiting until then to post will mean Sasaki can be signed in the 2025 international free agent signing period that starts January 15th. Signing then will. maximize his earnings and the Marine’s posting fee since teams will have the $5.5 to $7.5 million available to them in the new signing period to spend. It also gives teams time to trade players for international free agent pool money in order to increase the amount they can give spend on Sasaki.
DroppedThirdStrike
Is that the same guy who taught Patrick Mahomes how to throw the baseball spiral?
CCooper8920
Great another star for the Dodgers
Human Being
Why even bother posting him. Just make it an exclusive negotion with the Dodgers already.
Poolhalljunkies
Be nice if he decides the east coast is the place to be
Rsox
Would look good in a Red Sox uniform but i won’t hold my breath
3Men&ABibee
This is great news for baseball even though some disagree. As a huge follower and fan of KBO & NPB all these players coming over is so exciting and makes for the best baseball. Sugano, Ogasawara, Hyesong, and now Sasaki with Murakami after next year. Add that to Yoshi, Imanaga, Sengai, Matsui and this is the best baseball has ever been.
I will disagree though, with knowledge of watching lots of NPB that Sasaki is not as good as Yoshi right now. Yoshi is a pitcher and a better one. Yoshi is one of the best pitchers on the planet. Sasaki does have the upside stuff, but he needs polish. The sky is the limit with him, and he could win a CY over here at some point, but he is not going dominate right away. He will also face the innings issue the first couple years Yoshi is going through. All in all, if I had a choice, Im going Yoshi because he is a flat-out pitcher but Sasaki has the stuff and the contract might make him more valuable for the next 6 years.
Edinburgh Brave
He might be more motivated by money than this article implies, as if he gets a $7-13 mil intl signing bonus as mentioned in the article it’s more than his salary in Japan over the next two years, and he can sign an Ohtani sized contract in a few years if he’s proved himself an ace in MLB. So those teams with big bonus pools may be in the running to get him.
DarrenDreifortsContract
Welcome to the Dodgers young man!
Poolhalljunkies
You would think teams would also have to be willing to trade nearly thier entire international signing class for him..not saying you dont but if im an opposing gm with no chance at him im sizing up potential dodger commits today to see who i can poach ..this seems like college football recruiting with set nil money allotments
Rexhudler86
@poolhalljunkies your only allowed to acquire 75% of your total. So it’s pretty much capped out. Either way he’s going to pick a team, and say more bonus money for sure.
Baseball Babe
Here’s hoping Mike Rizzo can convince Sasaki of the benefits of playing in the Capitol of the U.S. Think of the Japanese tourists and delegations that come here! And he’d be coming to a team on the rise that hopefully will have added Bregman or Arenado and/or Walker by the time Sasaki is posted.
CTYanksFan
Hopefully, he wants to be Batman whereas Yamoto was content being Robin. Come to New York and be the next ace instead of third in the pecking order in LA
YankeesBleacherCreature
Fourth behind Glasnow.
AlbertPOOHOLES69
Honestly don’t get the hype about this guy my son has like three players on his HS team better than him
TravisGuardsFan
I see him going to the Guardians
B-Strong
His bout with shoulder fatigue will give absolutely nobody pause considering the insignificant amount of money they would be on the hook for with him being an amateur. Not that it will matter considering he’s destined for LA.
jvent
With all of the $$ that the Mets coming off the payroll they should sign him, we need at least 2-3 SP’s
norcalblue
After reading Salomon’s article, it’s seems sloppy and premature to dismiss Sasaki’s shoulder issue as a “relatively minor ailment”. Something caused his performance metrics to decline in 2024.
Asoto11
I can see him signing a Bobby Witt like extension after year 1 or 2,
Whiskey and leather balls
Literallly zero chance he doesnt go to LA or NY, dunno why us fans of any other teams would even waste our time daydreaming
Rexhudler86
@whiskey. He can pick wherever, I’m not sure if too many thought angels would get ohtani. He’s most likely going to have a list of 5 teams.
websoulsurfer
Here is all you need to know.
si.com/mlb/padres/news/japanese-pitching-sensation…
x.com/yakyucosmo/status/1754448173320573158
wylie K MITCHELL
the max he can get is 7 mil. dont now who is agent is but he needs a new one.
onthebucks
Sasaki promises to be one of the top pitchers in the bigs for a long time. Whoever lands him will have their starting rotation firmly anchored for years to come. The Dodgers appear to be the favorite to land him, mainly because Ohtani and Yamamoto are Dodgers and Japanese players frequently tend to migrate to teams where friendly countrymen are already playing. Given the financial circumstances that are making him very affordable and given the impact he could potentially have on a team for many years to come, the Phillies would be very smart to trade Schwarber to the Red Sox for Yoshida before Sasaki posts. Both Schwarber and Yoshida are trade candidates, and both players could actually profit from such a trade. Schwarber has hit very well in Boston and Fenway Park’s short right field fence could actually improve his home run and RBI production. The Phils need outfielders, and Philly might prove more user friendly to Yoshida who has been felt to underachieve in Boston. Sasaki’s influence could potentially lure Sasaki to Philly where he would probably have a greater chance to become the team’s ace than in LA which is flush with talented starting pitchers. This might seem like a complicated means to an end, but starting pitchers with Sasaki’s talent don’t come along often – especially at a bargain price. That’s why the Phils should get involved in the Sasaki sweepstakes sooner than later.
onthebucks
Forgive the typo – The line should read, “Yoshida’s (not Sasaki’s) influence could potentially lure Sasaki to Philly…….”
BlueSkies_LA
I’d make one amendment to your handicapping the Dodgers as Sasaki’s most likely destination: the Dodgers have been scouting him for years, which is quite impressive considering he is only 23 years old now. They’ve been playing the long game with him in building this relationship, which apparently other teams have not equalled.
NoKluReds
Forgive me, but I went bleary eyed after reading about half the comments so I don’t know if this has been presented. Does Japanese baseball still have the restriction that their teams can only have a certain number of American players? Perhaps MLB should institute a similar rule to ensure that the ever increasing number of Japanese players are spread more evenly through the League. Maybe it wouldn’t be a terrible idea for all foreign players. Just sayin’….and waiting for some knucklehead to call this a racist screed. Fyi, it’s not.
Dodgerfan75
Wait two years kid and then come to America.
onthebucks
Fan, Your advice is good. Sasaki is losing an extraordinary amount of money by listing now, instead of two years from now. However, this makes him much more affordable to whichever team lands him.
BlueSkies_LA
His decision to request posting now when the financial incentive is to wait tells me the player has a desire to play MLB, and confidence in his ability to succeed here.
Rexhudler86
@blueskies_la. It might’ve something to do with his elbow. He still gets his service time on the IL. Also he was a phenom in high-school. He has sponsorship deals in japan. It’s literally the same thing ohtani did. If he blows his arm before 25. Is some going to give him 300 million. It’s a win-win cheap deal if he’s out for a year or two.
BlueSkies_LA
This theory is a bit intricate to my taste. I mean, pitchers come in two kinds: those who’ve been injured, and those who will be injured. Despite what fans say, nobody can predict when injuries are likely to happen. Even sports medicine experts can’t do it. So I think the simplest explanation is the most likely explanation. He wants to play MLB.