Roki Sasaki Posted as International Free Agent

Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki, known for his remarkable performance and potential, will be posted to Major League Baseball (MLB) by the Chiba Lotte Marines this offseason. At just 23 years old, Sasaki is expected to attract significant interest from MLB teams, despite being classified as an international amateur free agent, which limits his initial contract to a minor league deal capped at around $7 million. He had an impressive 2024 season with a 10-5 record and a 2.35 ERA, and he showcased his skills during the 2023 World Baseball Classic. While teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees are anticipated to be strong contenders for his services, the Cubs have expressed particular interest, potentially benefiting from their recent acquisitions of Japanese players. Sasaki's fastball has been clocked at 102.5 mph, and he has a career record of 30-15 with a 2.02 ERA. The official posting process will begin a 45-day window for teams to negotiate a contract with him.