Roki Sasaki, the highly touted Japanese pitcher, has been meeting with several MLB teams in Los Angeles. According to reports, five teams have already sat down with Sasaki, but the Los Angeles Dodgers are not among them. This development has sparked interest among baseball fans, as Sasaki is considered one of the most promising young pitchers in the world.
Sasaki, 21, has been dominating in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league, boasting a 1.84 ERA and 158 strikeouts in 123 innings pitched. His impressive performance has garnered attention from MLB teams, and it’s no surprise that several clubs are vying for his services. The fact that the Dodgers are not among the teams that have met with Sasaki is intriguing, given their reputation for aggressively pursuing top talent.
The five teams that have reportedly met with Sasaki are the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, and Toronto Blue Jays. These teams are likely attracted to Sasaki’s exceptional fastball, which has been clocked at over 100 mph, as well as his sharp slider and improving changeup. With the MLB posting system, teams must negotiate with Sasaki’s Japanese team, the Chiba Lotte Marines, to secure his rights.
Sasaki’s decision to meet with MLB teams in Los Angeles suggests that he is serious about making the jump to the major leagues. The posting system allows Japanese players to negotiate with MLB teams, but it also requires them to return to their Japanese team if a deal cannot be reached. With several teams already expressing interest, it’s likely that Sasaki will have multiple options to consider.
As the offseason continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see which team ultimately lands Sasaki. The young pitcher’s talent and potential make him a coveted asset, and his decision could have significant implications for the MLB landscape.
