The New York Yankees might be seen as longshots to sign Japanese fireballer Roki Sasaki, but they’re determined to make a strong effort.
Following the introduction of new left-handed pitcher Max Fried at a press conference in the Bronx, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman revealed to reporters that the team has an in-person meeting lined up with the 23-year-old right-hander and his agent.
Roki Sasaki, posted by Nippon Professional Baseball’s Chiba Lotte Marines on December 9, is expected to sign with an MLB team by mid-January. This timeline aligns with the reset of teams’ international signing bonus pool money.
Since Sasaki is under 25, he’s classified as an international amateur, meaning his signing will fall under the same bonus pool rules typically used for 16-year-old Latin American prospects. In practical terms, this places a cap on financial offers, making them roughly equal across teams. Sasaki will earn the MLB league minimum until he becomes eligible for arbitration. According to his agent, Joel Wolfe, team culture will play a significant role in Sasaki’s decision, as he may prefer a smaller media market. Wolfe shared these insights during the Winter Meetings.
These factors have led some, including Dan Martin of the New York Post, to suggest that the Yankees, along with the Mets, might face an uphill battle to land Sasaki.
Sasaki, a top-tier starting pitcher with elite skills, is known for his pinpoint control and ability to dominate hitters. Over four seasons in Japan, he has a 29-15 record with a 2.10 ERA, despite being limited by injuries. He averages just two walks per nine innings, strikes out 32.4% of batters, and has allowed only 16 home runs across 414 innings pitched.
A key contributor to Japan’s victory in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Sasaki’s fastball reached an astonishing 102.5 mph during the tournament, underscoring his potential to be a game-changing addition to any MLB rotation.