Roki Sasaki Asks To Be Posted For MLB Teams, Chiba Lotte Marines Likely To Deny Request
Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki has requested to be posted for MLB teams, but it is unlikely that the Chiba Lotte Marines will grant his request.
Sasaki's Early Request
Roki Sasaki, a 22-year-old Japanese pitcher, has asked the Chiba Lotte Marines to make him available to MLB teams through the posting system. However, it is highly unlikely that the Marines will grant his request due to the limited time frame. Nippon Professional Baseball teams have until December 15 to post players for potential moves to Major League Baseball for the 2024 season. Sasaki's request comes early in his career, as he has only played three seasons in NPB.
Restrictions on Early Postings
MLB's posting rules state that players must be at least 25 years old and have at least six seasons of professional experience to receive anything more than a minor league contract. Additionally, big league clubs can only use money from their international bonus pools to pay such players. With the international signing window yet to open, teams have already allocated most of their pool money to other prospects. This was the case for Shohei Ohtani when he joined the majors at age 23 and received a minor league deal and a $2.3MM signing bonus.
Potential Contractual Opt-Out
There is speculation that Sasaki's contract with the Marines includes an escape clause that would allow him to leave for the majors at any time. The timing of Sasaki's request, despite the unlikely chance of it being granted, suggests that he may have some leverage in taking this immediate plunge into the posting system. Several MLB teams, including the Dodgers, Padres, and Giants, have heavily scouted Sasaki in Japan and believed he might be available this offseason.
Sasaki's Impressive Skills
Sasaki has a remarkable track record, with a 2.00 ERA, 34.4% strikeout rate, and 5.12% walk rate over 283 2/3 career innings with the Marines. His fastball consistently reaches the upper-90s and has topped out at 102.5mph, while his forkball is considered equally deadly. Sasaki has also performed well on the international stage, representing Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic and earning two NPB All-Star appearances. His career includes a near-perfect game and a reputation for his durability, despite some injury setbacks.
