Chiba Lotte Marines to Post Star Pitcher Roki Sasaki for MLB Move The Chiba Lotte Marines have officially announced plans to post their star right-handed pitcher, Roki Sasaki, to Major League Baseball this offseason. Sasaki, widely recognized as one of the most electrifying arms in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league, is set to draw significant attention from MLB teams eager to acquire his talents.
At 23 years old, Sasaki boasts a blistering fastball that reaches 102.5 mph and a devastating splitter. During the 2024 season, he recorded a 2.35 ERA over 111 innings, racking up 129 strikeouts against just 32 walks. His career stats with the Marines are equally impressive, featuring a 2.10 ERA and 524 strikeouts in 414.2 innings across four seasons.
Despite his dominance, Sasaki’s path to MLB is unique. Due to his age, he is classified as an international amateur free agent under MLB rules, meaning he will be subject to signing bonus pool restrictions and can only sign a minor league contract. Each MLB team’s bonus pool for international amateurs ranges between $4.65 million and $7.11 million, making the negotiation period especially competitive.
The posting process gives all 30 MLB teams 45 days to negotiate a deal once Sasaki is officially posted. While Sasaki’s potential is undeniable, his history of injuries may be a consideration. He pitched with at least six days’ rest throughout the 2024 season, contrasting with MLB’s more demanding rotation schedules of four to five days.
Sasaki first captured the world’s attention in 2022 when he threw a perfect game against the Orix Buffaloes, becoming the youngest pitcher in NPB history to achieve the feat. He further solidified his status on the global stage during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where he helped Japan clinch the championship.
The Chiba Lotte Marines’ decision to post Sasaki marks a significant moment, as the club will receive a 20% posting fee based on his eventual MLB contract. Although the team may lose out financially compared to waiting, the move highlights Sasaki’s ambition to test himself at the highest level of baseball.
With Sasaki’s mix of velocity, command, and international acclaim, MLB fans and teams alike are poised for an exciting offseason battle to secure one of Japan’s most promising young talents. Stay tuned as the Roki Sasaki sweepstakes unfold.
