MLB’s international amateur signing period has closed for the year, but Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki is still in play. The Los Angeles Dodgers have spent their 2024 international signing bonus pool allotment, leaving around $1.9 million unspent. This creates a bidding war among teams vying for the touted 23-year-old.
The 2025 signing period starts on January 15, and teams must make deals before January 23 to secure Sasaki’s services. The Dodgers are among the frontrunners, with San Diego emerging as a strong favorite due to its competitive team and sold-out ballpark. Sasaki’s agent believes his client will “seriously consider” signing with the Padres.
Other teams, including the Giants and White Sox, still have unspent allotments, ranging from $767,500 to $640,000. However, only four teams – Atlanta, Yankees, Texas, and Colorado – spent exactly their allotted amount.
Source: https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/43078091/orioles-dodgers-lead-unspent-2024-international-money