Mar 20, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Japan starting pitcher Roki Sasaki (14) delivers a pitch during the first inning against Mexico at LoanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

mlb

Roki Sasaki likely to join 2025 international amateur class, says MLB commissioner Rob Manfred

Sasaki’s MLB signing delayed to 2025

Mar 20, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Japan starting pitcher Roki Sasaki (14) delivers a pitch during the first inning against Mexico at LoanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Roki Sasaki’s entry into MLB will likely fall under the 2025 international signing period, according to Commissioner Rob Manfred. This timing allows teams a signing bonus limit of up to $7,555,500 to secure the highly coveted Japanese pitcher.

“It kind of looks like the way it’s going to shake out, that the signing there, just because the timing, will happen in the new pool period,” Manfred said Wednesday during a news conference following an MLB owners’ meeting.

Rob Manfred said that he expects Roki Sasaki to sign with a club as part of the 2025 international signing class, meaning he can't sign before January 15th. pic.twitter.com/wqOK3Ai5ix
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) November 20, 2024

If Roki Sasaki were to sign this year, his maximum bonus would cap at $2,502,500, with the Los Angeles Dodgers positioned to offer that amount.

The Pacific League’s Chiba Lotte Marines announced on Nov. 9 their intention to post the 23-year-old right-hander, known for his explosive fastball. Under the MLB and Nippon Professional Baseball agreement, the posting period runs from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15, giving players 45 days to finalize a deal. However, Sasaki’s formal posting has not yet occurred.

As Sasaki is under 25, he will be classified as an international amateur free agent, subject to MLB’s bonus pool restrictions. Chiba Lotte Marines will earn a 25% posting fee based on the signing bonus.

What Roki Sasaki’s signing means for the Padres

Evan Drellich of The Athletic reported that MLB commissioner Rob Manfred anticipates Sasaki will join the 2025 international signing class.

For the Padres, this delay works in their favor. With only $2,200 left in their 2024 bonus pool, signing Sasaki this year would be impossible. The new international signing period begins on Jan. 15, giving all teams a reset on their bonus pool funds.

From Roki Sasaki’s perspective, waiting ensures he enters a bidding environment with significantly higher potential offers.

Rōki Sasaki 🔜

Rob Manfred said that he expects Roki Sasaki to sign with a club as part of the 2025 international signing class, meaning he can't sign before January 15th.… pic.twitter.com/VfUk6Y1JJd
— SDPads DamagedGoods (@PadresDG) November 21, 2024

Currently, the Dodgers hold the most 2024 bonus pool funds, slightly over $2.5 million. However, this is only a fraction of what teams will have in 2025. For example, Padres President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller will oversee a refreshed $6.2 million pool, while the Dodgers and Giants will have the lowest amounts, around $5.1 million.

The maximum pool for 2025 is $7.5 million, creating a more balanced playing field for all teams.

San Diego, with its competitive funds, is expected to actively pursue Sasaki. Widely regarded as a generational talent, Sasaki has drawn comparisons to Shohei Ohtani in terms of potential and international hype.

Where do the Dodgers stand in Roki Sasaki’s signing?

Speculation about the Dodgers positioning themselves for Roki Sasaki has reached MLB executives and even been informally addressed at the commissioner’s office, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Sasaki’s agent, Joel Wolfe of Wasserman, dismissed these claims on Wednesday.

“While a bunch of executives who should know me better and do a lot of business with me insult my integrity by insinuating that I would be a part of some type of nefarious agreement,” Wolfe told The Athletic, “in reality, this is just poor sportsmanship.”

All this talk of Max Fried, Blake Snell, and Roki Sasaki has made me realize that…

No matter who the Dodgers sign this offseason, opening day belongs to the ace who stepped up when it mattered, the 26-year-old phenom who dominated every time we needed him in October. pic.twitter.com/UxrFvPSq2g
— Honestly Jake (@Honestly_Jake) November 16, 2024

Commissioner Rob Manfred also addressed the rumors, reiterating his belief that Sasaki’s signing will occur after the 2025 international signing period begins on Jan. 15. This shift levels the playing field by giving all teams a fresh allotment of funds.

The Dodgers, with $2.5 million remaining in their 2024 bonus pool—more than any other team—have faced scrutiny for appearing to save funds specifically for Sasaki. However, if Roki Sasaki waits until the next signing period, the Dodgers will have just $5.1 million, one of the lowest pools among MLB teams, while others will have upwards of $7.5 million.

Despite these challenges, the Dodgers are expected to remain contenders for Sasaki’s services, though their financial leverage will be diminished in the new period.

Image: © Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

2025 international amateur class

Roki Sasaki

Natasha Bose

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