Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki registers for MLB free agency on Dec 16, 2024.

Roki Sasaki, the Japanese pitching sensation, has become the center of Major League Baseball’s free agency buzz after meeting with the New York Mets on Thursday, as reported by SNY’s Andy Martino. The 23-year-old right-hander, known for his electric fastball and devastating splitter, is entering the majors as an international amateur free agent following a standout career with Nippon Professional Baseball’s (NPB) Chiba Lotte Marines.

Roki Sasaki’s talent coveted by MLB teams

Roki Sasaki’s entry into MLB has drawn significant interest from several powerhouse franchises, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and San Diego Padres. His age places him under MLB’s amateur signing rules, meaning his contract will be limited to international bonus pool money. The team that secures his signature will control his services for six seasons before he becomes eligible for unrestricted free agency, as noted by MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch.

The Chiba Lotte Marines officially posted Sasaki at the start of MLB’s winter meetings on Dec. 9, giving interested teams until Jan. 23 at 5 p.m. ET to finalize a deal.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 20: Roki Sasaki #14 of Team Japan throws the ball during the third inning against Team Mexico during the World Baseball Classic Semifinals at loanDepot park on March 20, 2023 in Miami, Florida. Roki Sasaki has been linked with a move to the Yankees.Japan Times
Roki Sasaki’s NPB resume speaks volumes. In four seasons, he compiled a 29-15 record with a 2.10 ERA and a 0.894 WHIP. His overpowering repertoire includes a fastball reaching 100 mph, a splitter that leaves batters baffled, and an increasingly sharp slider. He tallied 505 strikeouts while issuing only 88 walks across 394.2 innings, earning two All-Star selections in the process.

Mets’ strategy and Yankees’ pitch

The Mets, fresh off a National League Championship Series appearance, are aggressively pursuing pitching reinforcements this offseason. They have already secured right-hander Frankie Montas and reliever-turned-starter Clay Holmes, with rumors of a potential reunion with former starter Sean Manaea also swirling. Adding Roki Sasaki to a rotation led by All-Star Kodai Senga could significantly strengthen the Mets’ pitching corps.

Meanwhile, the Yankees remain determined to land Roki Sasaki. General manager Brian Cashman confirmed during Max Fried’s introductory press conference that the club had secured an in-person meeting with the Japanese ace in California, though he declined to specify the date.

Aware of past challenges in pursuing Japanese stars—such as Shohei Ohtani’s 2017 decision to bypass the Yankees due to a preference for West Coast teams—Cashman emphasized the importance of transparency.

“I’m going to be very candid, I’m going to be very transparent,” Cashman said. “It’s our one shot to separate ourselves. If there is West Coast bias, the only way to overcome that is [to show] how we can help and support him in any way, shape, or form we can.”

Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake has already studied Sasaki’s pitching mechanics through extensive video analysis. He praised the right-hander’s athleticism, exceptional arm strength, and dominant splitter.

“He’s an impressive pitcher,” Blake noted. “He’s a good athlete, good arm, and obviously a really good splitter. I think he’s going to offer a lot to someone.”

oki Sasaki, a Japanese baseball player wearing a white pinstriped uniform with "Japan" written across the chest and a black cap with a red "J," smiles while holding a yellow glove. On the right, Brian Cashman, the New York Yankees' general manager, wears a Yankees cap, sunglasses, and a light purple polo shirt while speaking on a phone at a baseball facility.
With the Dodgers and Padres reportedly leading the race, the Yankees face stiff competition. Padres manager Mike Shildt has openly expressed optimism about his team’s chances of signing Roki Sasaki, while the Dodgers’ long-standing interest has been well documented.

Roki Sasaki’s next move could reshape the balance of power in MLB. His decision is expected after the 2025 international signing period opens on Jan. 15. Until then, MLB executives, fans, and analysts alike will be watching closely as one of the most exciting international free agents navigates his journey to the majors.

Whichever team wins the Roki Sasaki sweepstakes will gain not only a future ace but also a potential franchise cornerstone poised to make an immediate impact in the competitive world of Major League Baseball.

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