Roki Sasaki is predicted to signal with a bigger market staff as soon as he’s posted.
Rumors surrounding Sasaki again up these expectations. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that each staff expects Sasaki to signal with the Dodgers. Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported that the Yankees and Mets covet the 23-year-old righty. The Padres should be a factor as Sasaki’s mentor, Yu Darvish, is part of the rotation.
Sasaki’s market could also be bigger than anticipated. Nippon Professional Baseball insider Jim Allen reported that Sasaki is just not a lock to signal with the Dodgers regardless of prevailing sentiments. In line with Allen, a supply near Sasaki mentioned {that a} smaller market staff with a robust observe file of creating pitching might be his most suitable choice.
Cash is just not going to be an element with Sasaki as his incomes potential is capped on account of his age. The Dodgers have essentially the most cash left within the 2024 international signing bonus pool with simply over $2.5 million. If he’s posted after Dec. 15, his most bonus could be a shade over $7.5 million.
Sasaki has the potential to be a top-of-the-rotation arm no matter the place he indicators. Armed with a fastball that has been clocked as high as 102 mph, a devastating splitter and a plus slider, he has the arsenal to dominate. He confirmed what he’s able to throughout his time with the Chiba Lotte Marines, posting a 2.10 ERA and a 0.894 WHiP in his 394.2 innings, hanging out 505 batters with simply 88 walks. He allowed simply 15 homers, making him all of the extra enticing to main league groups.
