Roki Sasaki is officially coming to MLB.
The Chiba Lotte Marines announced Saturday in Japan that they will post the flame-throwing phenom for a move to the U.S., where he now looms as one of the biggest names of the offseason. It’s unclear when the process will officially begin, but MLB teams will have 45 days to woo Sasaki after he’s posted.
#佐々木朗希 投手について、ポスティングによる米国メジャー・リーグ・ベースボール(MLB)球団への移籍に向けた手続きを開始することにいたしましたので、お知らせします。
▼松本球団本部長コメント… pic.twitter.com/iwEjGoUS1C
— 千葉ロッテマリーンズ (@chibalotte) November 9, 2024
Baseball enthusiasts in the United States were treated to a spectacle when he made his appearance at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, showcasing his exceptional talent by throwing an incredible 26 out of 29 pitches exceeding 100 mph. This exceptional pitch is just one aspect of Roki Sasaki’s skill set, with his splitter being recognized as one of the best in the world. It was during a game in 2022, where Sasaki achieved a remarkable 19-strikeout perfect game, that many American fans were first introduced to his name.
In addition to his impressive repertoire, Sasaki has been diligently working on refining his slider, showing promising results. Any Major League Baseball team that secures his talent will undoubtedly prioritize further development of his pitching arsenal.
While Sasaki possesses elite pitching abilities on an international level, it is anticipated that he may require some time to fully mature into the ace that his highlight performances suggest. Unlike Yamamoto, who was a more polished pitcher upon being posted, Sasaki faced challenges in the form of arm discomfort and reduced velocity during the recent season, resulting in a career-low 2.35 ERA in 2024.
Nonetheless, the recent MLB offseason has witnessed a significant shift with Sasaki’s decision looming large as the next pivotal moment in the baseball world. The anticipation surrounding his future choice is palpable, hinting at the unfolding of yet another momentous chapter in the sport.