All articles tagged with #international free agency
The Cubs kicked off a big day with the signing of Alex Bregman and his commitment to play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, as the 2026 International Free Agency period opens and rumors swirl about a Kyle Tucker deal; Bleacher Nation tracks CubsCon coverage, front-office moves, and Cy Young odds for the Cubs’ rotation amid a flurry of offseason activity.
Roki Sasaki, a top pitcher from Japan's NPB, will join MLB in 2025 through the posting system, as announced by his team, the Chiba Lotte Marines. Sasaki, 23, is considered one of the best pitchers globally and will be subject to MLB's amateur signing rules, limiting his initial earnings. Despite a slight dip in fastball velocity and injury concerns, Sasaki's potential as a top-of-the-rotation starter makes him a highly sought-after player. His move to MLB prioritizes immediate play over financial gain, similar to Shohei Ohtani's path.
Roki Sasaki, a highly talented Japanese pitcher, is generating buzz at MLB's general managers' meetings as teams prepare for the possibility of him becoming an international free agent. Despite his potential, Sasaki's move to MLB is uncertain due to NPB's rules requiring nine years of service for free agency, of which he has only four. If posted, Sasaki would only be eligible for a minor-league contract, limiting his earnings compared to waiting until age 25. The Los Angeles Dodgers are seen as favorites to sign him, but other teams like the Mets and Cubs are also interested.