Roki Sasaki’s potential MLB deal could have far-reaching consequences for Latin American teenagers, whose unofficial agreements worth millions are now uncertain. The 23-year-old right-hander is considered a top target for teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres.
Sasaki’s unique situation stems from his status as an international amateur free agent due to his age and limited experience in Japan’s professional league. This classification limits him to minor league contracts with strict spending caps set by MLB.
The 2025 class of Latin American teenagers, including those born between 2007 and 2008, are expected to sign with teams starting Wednesday. Sasaki’s signing could take every penny from these players’ bonus pools, forcing teams to re-evaluate their agreements.
Teams have varying allotments for international amateur free agents, ranging from $5.1 million to over $7.6 million. While some teams may spend their full allotment on Sasaki, others may opt not to, potentially affecting the futures of these young players.
Sasaki’s decision is seen as a significant factor in the MLB-NPB agreement, which sets aside a 45-day posting window for him to sign with an MLB team. He must decide by January 23rd or risk losing his rights to the Chiba Lotte Marines.
The ripple effects of Sasaki’s deal could be felt across Latin America, where handshake agreements are common among teenagers from poor backgrounds. Players may struggle to find new suitors if their bonus pools are depleted, leading to uncertain futures in baseball.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/roki-sasaki-free-agent-latin-america-c1ba952d8ce9636a3381dd2264a58650