Overview

• Roki Sasaki, a standout pitcher from Japan's Chiba Lotte Marines, has reportedly met with six MLB teams, including the Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, Cubs, Rangers, and Giants.
• Sasaki is eligible for MLB's international signing period beginning January 15, 2025, and is subject to bonus pool restrictions due to his age and experience.
• The Dodgers, seen as potential favorites, offer connections to Sasaki through fellow Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, both of whom are on their roster.
• The San Diego Padres are also making a strong push, leveraging ties such as Yu Darvish, a player Sasaki admires, and Hideo Nomo in their front office.
• Sasaki has built a reputation as one of the world's top young pitchers, boasting a 2.10 ERA and 505 strikeouts over four seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball.