Roki Sasaki is expected to sign with a larger market team once he is posted.
Rumors surrounding Sasaki back up those expectations. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that every team expects Sasaki to sign with the Dodgers. Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported that the Yankees and Mets covet the 23-year-old righty. The Padres should be a factor as Sasaki’s mentor, Yu Darvish, is a part of the rotation.
Sasaki’s market may be larger than expected. Nippon Professional Baseball insider Jim Allen reported that Sasaki is not a lock to sign with the Dodgers despite prevailing sentiments. According to Allen, a source close to Sasaki said that a smaller market team with a strong track record of developing pitching could be his best option.
Money is not going to be a factor with Sasaki as his earning potential is capped due to his age. The Dodgers have the most money left in the 2024 international signing bonus pool with just over $2.5 million. If he is posted after Dec. 15, his maximum bonus would be a shade over $7.5 million.
Sasaki has the potential to be a top-of-the-rotation arm regardless of where he signs. Armed with a fastball that has been clocked as high as 102 mph, a devastating splitter and a plus slider, he has the arsenal to dominate. He showed what he is capable of during his time with the Chiba Lotte Marines, posting a 2.10 ERA and a 0.894 WHiP in his 394.2 innings, striking out 505 batters with just 88 walks. He allowed just 15 homers, making him all the more attractive to major league teams.
