Seattle Mariners is set to sign 23 year old pitcher “Roki Sasaki”: A Smart Move For Mariners.
The Seattle Mariners are reportedly among the MLB teams showing interest in Japanese pitching phenom Roki Sasaki, who has been officially posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines.
At just 23 years old, Sasaki has already made a name for himself with a career 2.02 ERA in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), bolstered by his extraordinary velocity—topping out at 102 mph—and a devastating splitter with a 57% whiff rate. Scouts consider him a future MLB ace, potentially one of the best pitchers to transition from Japan to Major League Baseball.
Sasaki’s posting process allows MLB teams to compete for his services under the league’s international amateur free agent rules, as he is under 25 years old.
This means his initial contract will be limited by international bonus pool restrictions, likely resulting in a modest signing bonus compared to unrestricted free agents like Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
While the financial ceiling levels the playing field, Sasaki’s decision is expected to hinge on other factors, such as team development capabilities, market size, and opportunities for long-term success.
The Mariners’ history with Japanese players, including legendary pitcher Ichiro Suzuki, may provide them an edge in negotiations. Seattle’s willingness to embrace and celebrate Japanese stars could be an attractive aspect for Sasaki. Additionally, their relatively strong farm system and competitive roster offer a promising environment for Sasaki to thrive.
While no deals have been finalized, Sasaki’s entry into MLB is generating significant excitement. He brings an impressive blend of skill and potential that could reshape the future of any franchise fortunate enough to sign him.
