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Roki Sasaki

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MLB Teams Vie for Japanese Pitching Sensation Roki Sasaki

Originally Published 1 year ago — by Star Tribune

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Source: Star Tribune

The Minnesota Twins are interested in signing Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki, a 23-year-old righthander known for his fastball and splitter, as he enters the MLB recruitment process. While the Los Angeles Dodgers are favorites to sign him, Sasaki's agent suggests a smaller, midmarket team might be a better fit. Sasaki, who helped Japan win the World Baseball Classic in 2023, is an international free agent eligible for a limited signing bonus. The Twins, with a significant international signing bonus pool, hope to meet with Sasaki soon.

MLB Teams Eye Roki Sasaki as Pitching Market Heats Up

Originally Published 1 year ago — by Bleed Cubbie Blue

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Source: Bleed Cubbie Blue

Japanese baseball star Roki Sasaki has been officially posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines, allowing him to negotiate with MLB teams, with the Chicago Cubs among the first to express interest. Sasaki's signing is expected after January 15, 2025, when MLB's international bonus pools reset. The Cubs, who have successfully integrated Japanese players like Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga, are positioning themselves as a favorable destination for Sasaki. Meanwhile, trade rumors involving Suzuki and Kyle Tucker raise questions about the Cubs' strategy and its impact on Sasaki's decision.

MLB Teams Eye Japanese Pitcher Roki Sasaki in Offseason Moves

Originally Published 1 year ago — by NJ.com

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Source: NJ.com

The New York Yankees are interested in acquiring Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki, who has been posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines. Despite financial constraints due to Sasaki's international amateur status, Yankees GM Brian Cashman is keen on recruiting the 23-year-old, known for his impressive arm and desire to excel. The Yankees face competition from teams like the Dodgers and Padres, and have until January 23 to negotiate a deal. Cashman hinted at leveraging former Japanese Yankees players in their recruitment efforts.

MLB Teams Vie for Japanese Star Roki Sasaki's Signature

Originally Published 1 year ago — by Los Angeles Times

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Source: Los Angeles Times

Roki Sasaki, a promising Japanese pitcher, is contemplating his future in Major League Baseball, with speculation about whether he will join the Los Angeles Dodgers. His agent, Joel Wolfe, describes Sasaki as determined and having a clear vision for his career. Despite facing public backlash in Japan for wanting to move to the MLB early, Sasaki remains resolute. While the Dodgers are interested, Sasaki's ultimate decision remains a mystery, as he seeks to become the world's top player, possibly alongside or against Shohei Ohtani.

MLB Teams Vie for Japanese Pitching Sensation Roki Sasaki

Originally Published 1 year ago — by MLive.com

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Source: MLive.com

The Detroit Tigers are actively pursuing Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki, a highly sought-after international prospect known for his exceptional fastball and splitter. Despite MLB's international bonus pool restrictions, which limit his signing bonus, the Tigers are preparing a strong pitch to attract Sasaki, competing against other teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers. Sasaki's agent suggests a smaller market team might be beneficial for his transition from Japan. If unsuccessful, the Tigers will focus on other roster needs, having recently added Alex Cobb to their rotation.

Tigers Eye Roki Sasaki: Assessing Their Chances

Originally Published 1 year ago — by The New York Times

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Source: The New York Times

The Detroit Tigers have expressed interest in signing Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki, despite competition from other MLB teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers. Sasaki's agent, Joel Wolfe, suggested that a smaller market team might be beneficial for Sasaki, who has faced media criticism in Japan. The Tigers have a significant international bonus pool, but their existing commitments, such as to outfielder Cris Rodriguez, could limit their offer to Sasaki. Meanwhile, the Tigers have signed Alex Cobb and designated Akil Baddoo for assignment, while monitoring Javier Báez's recovery from hip surgery.

Ichiro to Aid Mariners in Pursuit of Roki Sasaki

Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Seattle Times

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Source: The Seattle Times

Japanese pitching phenom Roki Sasaki is exploring his options for joining Major League Baseball, with the Seattle Mariners, aided by Japanese legend Ichiro Suzuki, keen on recruiting him. Sasaki, who has faced media challenges in Japan, is open to playing for a smaller market team, and his agent Joel Wolfe suggests this might be beneficial for his transition. While the Mariners are preparing a strong pitch, the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres are also considered top contenders for Sasaki, who is known for his intense and driven nature.

MLB Teams Vie for Japanese Pitching Sensation Roki Sasaki

Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Philadelphia Inquirer

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Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer

The Philadelphia Phillies have expressed strong interest in signing Roki Sasaki, a highly sought-after 23-year-old Japanese pitcher known for his 100-mph fastball. Sasaki, who has been posted to MLB, is expected to meet with teams in the U.S. before making a decision. Despite the Phillies' eagerness, they face stiff competition from other MLB teams and challenges due to their lack of history in signing Japanese players. Sasaki's decision will likely focus on personal preferences rather than financial offers, as he is classified as an international amateur.

Dodgers Eye Japanese Pitcher Roki Sasaki Amid Posting Process

Originally Published 1 year ago — by Los Angeles Times

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Source: Los Angeles Times

Japanese star pitcher Roki Sasaki has been posted for MLB teams to sign, sparking interest from major teams like the Dodgers, Padres, and Yankees. Sasaki's agent, Joel Wolfe, discussed the factors influencing Sasaki's decision, including team success, presence of fellow Japanese players, and media market size. Despite financial constraints due to luxury tax penalties, the Dodgers remain keen on signing Sasaki, who is open to various possibilities as he enters restricted free agency.

MLB Teams Gear Up for Bidding War Over Japanese Pitching Phenom Roki Sasaki

Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Athletic

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Source: The Athletic

Roki Sasaki, a 23-year-old Japanese pitcher, has been officially posted for MLB free agency, with his agent Joel Wolfe outlining the upcoming process at the MLB Winter Meetings. Sasaki will meet with interested teams in the U.S. before finalizing his decision between January 15 and 24. Despite media challenges in Japan, Sasaki is open to both small and large market teams, and his decision won't be based solely on financial offers. Sasaki, who idolizes Yu Darvish, is considering various factors, including team success and player development.

MLB Teams Vie for Japanese Pitching Sensation Roki Sasaki

Originally Published 1 year ago — by ESPN

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Source: ESPN

Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki, 23, will begin meeting with MLB teams next week as he explores signing a minor league deal after being posted by Chiba Lotte. Despite being limited to a minor league contract due to international rules for players under 25, Sasaki is attracting interest from both big- and small-market teams. His agent, Joel Wolfe, emphasized Sasaki's focus on long-term career goals rather than immediate financial gain. Sasaki's decision-making process is influenced by team success, player development, and comfort factors, with no predetermined favorite team.