Roki Sasaki Set to Join MLB Amid High Interest

Roki Sasaki, a 23-year-old Japanese pitching phenom, is set to join Major League Baseball (MLB) after the Chiba Lotte Marines announced they would post him, allowing MLB teams to negotiate with him over a 45-day period. Sasaki is limited to a minor-league contract due to MLB's international free agency rules but remains highly sought after for his extraordinary talent, including a fastball averaging 97 mph and a devastating splitter. The Los Angeles Dodgers are considered favorites to sign him, given their history with Japanese players, although teams like the New York Mets and San Diego Padres are also in strong contention. Sasaki's decision to move now, rather than waiting two years for a potentially lucrative free-agent contract, aligns with his desire to immediately begin competing in MLB. His entry into MLB mirrors that of Shohei Ohtani, who also joined the league under similar contractual restrictions. This move is seen as a significant addition to the MLB free agent class, with Sasaki being evaluated as one of the top pitchers globally.