Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki, renowned for his 102.5 mph fastball and a perfect game in April 2022, has become a focal point in MLB’s international signing period. At 23, Sasaki is classified as an international amateur free agent, capping his signing bonus at approximately $6 million due to MLB’s bonus pool limitations.
Sasaki has reportedly narrowed his potential MLB destinations to the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Toronto Blue Jays, excluding teams like the New York Yankees and Mets, possibly to avoid the pressures of larger markets. His admiration for veteran pitcher Yu Darvish could influence a move to the Padres, while joining the Dodgers would place him alongside fellow Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
The Dodgers appear to have a financial advantage, having preserved the largest available space in their 2024 international signing bonus pool, totaling $2,502,500. This strategic allocation may enable them to offer Sasaki a more competitive package within the constraints of MLB’s international signing rules. As the signing window progresses, the competition among these franchises intensifies, with each aiming to secure Sasaki’s exceptional talent for their pitching rotation.
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