Roki Sasaki’s potential move to MLB has sparked a lot of speculation, with many pointing to the Los Angeles Dodgers as a likely destination. While the circumstantial evidence seems to support this idea, it’s important not to jump to conclusions just yet.
The Dodgers do seem like a good fit for Sasaki for several reasons. They have a strong track record of developing pitchers, and they have successfully integrated other Japanese stars like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. If Sasaki is looking to compete for a World Series title, maintain ties to Japan, and set himself up for a lucrative free agency in the future, the Dodgers could be the ideal choice.
However, one key decision remains that could shed more light on Sasaki’s intentions – the date of Dec. 1.
When the Chiba Lotte Marines announced they would be posting Sasaki, they did not specify the official posting date. This is significant because of the posting system’s timeline for players like Sasaki. There is a 45-day window for negotiations with MLB teams, and if an agreement is not reached within that time frame, the player goes back to their NPB team and can be posted again the following season.
Sasaki’s decision to move to MLB now means he will be subject to MLB’s international bonus pools, which could impact his potential earnings. The Dodgers currently have the most remaining international bonus money, giving them a financial advantage in signing Sasaki.
If Sasaki is posted before Dec. 1, it could signal his intentions to join the Dodgers. On the other hand, if he is posted after Dec. 1, other MLB teams may have a better chance, although the Dodgers would still be a strong contender.
Ultimately, Sasaki’s choice should be based on which MLB team can offer him the best development opportunities over the next six years. While the Dodgers may seem like a good fit, there are several other teams that could also appeal to Sasaki.
If Sasaki does end up choosing the Dodgers, it could prompt a reevaluation of the posting system by both MLB and NPB. A superstar player like Sasaki bypassing a potentially lucrative deal to join a powerhouse team could have far-reaching implications for both leagues.
The potential impact of Sasaki’s decision extends beyond just the player and the teams involved, highlighting the complexities of international player recruitment in professional baseball.