Roki Sasaki (Image Credit: Getty Images)
The race to sign Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki is heating up. The MLB teams are reportedly going after the young gun. While traditional powerhouses like the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and New York Mets were initially seen as favorites, recent rumors say otherwise.

Among the surprise contenders are the Chicago Cubs. According to reports from the New York Post, Sasaki’s agent, Joel Wolfe, has his say on the signing. He emphasized the importance of team history and player development in the decision-making process. The Cubs have a strong track record in nurturing talent and have a growing connection to Japanese baseball, thanks to players like Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga.

“Seiya and Shota have had some really good experiences. I think we’re an attractive destination for any Japanese player,” Cubs President Jed Hoyer recently said.

Sasaki, a star pitcher for the Chiba Lotte Marines in NPB, has been dominating on the mound. Over the past three years, he has posted a stellar 2.02 ERA and struck out an impressive 32% of batters faced. Now, he’s ready to take his talents to the Major Leagues, and the decision is expected to come quickly as the international signing period opens on January 15.

Roki Sasaki Is A Unique Free Agent

Despite being one of the most highly anticipated players in recent memory, Sasaki’s signing comes with specific constraints. At just 23, he’s subject to international amateur signing rules, which cap his contract at $7,555,500. This limitation levels the financial playing field, making Sasaki an enticing option for both big-market and small-market teams.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers and Padres also remain strong contenders. The Dodgers have a Japanese connection. They have names like Hideo Nomo and Yoshinobu Yamamoto and a robust international scouting network. On the other hand, the Padres are pulling out all the stops and leveraging their multicultural roster. Padres manager Mike Shildt has expressed confidence in the team’s ability to secure Sasaki.

The Yankees and Mets have also made their pitches. Both teams recently held in-person meetings with Sasaki. The Yankees, in particular, may benefit from their reputation for fostering elite pitchers. However, Sasaki’s preference for a smaller market may diminish their chances.