Highly sought-after Japanese free agent Roki Sasaki is currently in the process of evaluating offers from Major League Baseball teams before making a decision on which club to sign with. The 23-year-old right-hander has garnered interest from 20 teams, with his agent confirming that Sasaki recently attended presentations from various clubs in Los Angeles.
Following the presentations, Sasaki returned to Japan to carefully consider his options as he approaches the upcoming signing window, scheduled from January 15 to 23. While the field of potential suitors is expected to be narrowed down, Sasaki may still opt to meet with one or two additional teams before finalizing his decision.
According to his agent, Sasaki is actively involved in the decision-making process and is taking the lead in determining his future team. He has expressed a preference for a hands-on approach and is keen on exploring all available opportunities.
Notably, Sasaki has shown little concern regarding the presence of Japanese players on the teams he is considering. During the meetings with various clubs, he requested that current players not be in attendance, signaling his focus on evaluating each team's overall fit and potential for his career development.
Given his age, Sasaki falls under the regulations governing international signings, which stipulate that he will be subject to a minor league contract under the 2025 international signing bonus pools. Teams have specific allocation figures within a certain range, with the ability to trade allocation starting on January 15.
As Sasaki navigates the decision-making process, the baseball world eagerly awaits his final choice and looks forward to witnessing his talent on the MLB stage. Stay tuned for updates as the signing window approaches.
Source: AP MLB
