Detailed Report: Japanese Star Roki Sasaki Rules Out Yankees, Mets, and Other MLB Teams
Roki Sasaki, one of Japan’s most promising young pitchers, is generating significant buzz as his eligibility to sign with a Major League Baseball (MLB) team opens this Wednesday. However, the 23-year-old phenom has already decided against joining several prominent franchises, including the New York Yankees, according to multiple media sources.
Yankees, Mets, and Rangers Out of the Running
Reports indicate that both the New York Mets and Texas Rangers have also been ruled out as potential destinations before negotiations officially begin. In a surprising move, the San Francisco Giants announced on Monday that they too would not be participating in the bidding process for Sasaki.
Suitors in the Race
Despite these exclusions, several MLB teams remain keenly interested in securing Sasaki’s services. The Toronto Blue Jays and San Diego Padres have reportedly held second meetings with the star right-hander, as reported by The Athletic. Additionally, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs have also engaged in discussions with Sasaki, highlighting their interest in the talented hurler.
Key Timeline for Signing
Sasaki’s window to sign officially opens on Wednesday at 9 a.m. ET and will remain open until January 23 at 5 p.m. ET. This timeline aligns with the MLB’s posting system agreement with Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and international amateur signing rules. Should Sasaki sign with an MLB team, that organization will control his contract for six years before he becomes eligible for unrestricted free agency.
Because Sasaki is under 25 years old and has not yet completed six seasons in NPB, he is classified as an international amateur. As a result, his initial contract will be a minor league deal subject to international signing bonus pool limitations, which range from $5.15 million to $7.56 million. This classification significantly impacts the structure of his contract but has not deterred interest from multiple franchises.
A Rising Star in NPB
Sasaki’s appeal stems from his exceptional talent and performance with the Chiba Lotte Marines since 2021. With a fastball frequently clocking over 100 mph and a devastating splitter, he has earned a reputation as a strikeout machine. Over his four seasons in NPB, Sasaki has recorded an impressive 29-15 record with a 2.10 ERA, striking out 505 batters while issuing just 88 walks across 394 2/3 innings.
A Rare Opportunity
Sasaki’s 45-day posting window originally began on December 15, creating significant anticipation for MLB teams vying for his services. His combination of velocity, control, and poise on the mound makes him a valuable asset for any franchise looking to bolster its pitching rotation.
While high-profile teams like the Yankees, Mets, and Rangers are no longer in contention, the ongoing interest from other clubs such as the Blue Jays, Padres, Dodgers, and Cubs ensures that Sasaki’s decision will remain a major storyline during this signing period. His choice could shape the MLB landscape for years to come.
