Roki Sasaki’s highly anticipated arrival in the MLB is set to shake up the international baseball market. The 23-year-old Japanese pitcher, who can only be signed through each team’s international bonus pools, has teams scrambling for his signature.
With a posting fee of around $5 million, Sasaki’s agent Joel Wolfe expects his client to sign between January 15 and 23. Top contenders including the Padres, Dodgers, Mets, Yankees, Cubs, Giants, and Rangers have reportedly received in-person meetings with Sasaki. The Toronto Blue Jays also made contact last week.
The delay in Sasaki’s signing has caused teams to rethink their plans, with some opting not to make agreements at all until the situation is resolved. This move could lead to reduced bonuses for players who initially signed with a team that has since dropped out of the running.
Sasaki’s bonus pool restrictions are expected to play a role in his decision-making process, but his agent has declined to comment on specific figures. Some executives believe Sasaki may choose to accept less than the full bonus pool, while others think he could command the entire amount.
With only days left before signing day, teams are getting increasingly desperate. One executive described a situation where a team that values its international money is willing to trade it for Sasaki, but wants something of legitimate value in return. As the clock ticks down, Sasaki’s decision will determine which team gets the prized pitcher and how much they’ll have to spend.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6056989/2025/01/13/roki-sasaki-international-market-chaos