Roki Sasaki, the sought-after Japanese pitcher, is contemplating joining Major League Baseball and is methodically weighing his options. Sasaki’s agent, Joel Wolfe, revealed that the 23-year-old is considering meeting with one or two teams before making a decision.
During recent interactions in Los Angeles, Sasaki listened to presentations from 20 interested teams. These meetings, though not exceeding two hours each, were hosted at the Wasserman Media Group offices. Now back in Japan, Sasaki must decide his path as the signing period looms, scheduled from January 15 to 23.
According to Wolfe, Sasaki is actively controlling his negotiation process and is poised to narrow down his choices. “He is definitely driving the ship and calling the shots,” Wolfe affirmed. Despite various teams expressing interest, Sasaki remains uncomplicated by the presence of existing Japanese players in those clubs. Furthermore, he requested that current players refrain from attending the team meetings, which instead included key personnel such as general managers and pitching coaches.
This approach complements Sasaki’s focus on the technical aspects of his potential new teams, evaluating not just their rosters but also their performance training staff and operational strategies. Wolfe stated that Sasaki’s main considerations include the expertise offered by the clubs’ biomechanics and performance training teams.
It’s worth noting that Sasaki’s age places him under specific contract regulations. Being under 25 means he will only be eligible for a minor league contract under the 2025 international signing bonus pools. The pool figures vary significantly, ranging from $7,555,500 to $5,146,200, with trading of allocations permitted from January 15 onward.
As the clock ticks towards the signing window, Roki Sasaki is meticulously evaluating his options, ensuring that his choice aligns with his career aspirations and personal criteria. His strategic approach underscores a thoughtful process aimed at making a decision that will shape his professional journey.
Source: Local10
