The attention in the baseball world has shifted to Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki, who has been posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines and is now meeting with MLB clubs. The Arizona Diamondbacks are interested in the 23-year-old, with executives having watched him pitch in Japan last season. Sasaki’s free agency is expected to be competitive due to MLB rules limiting his contract to a minor league deal.
Big market teams like the Dodgers and Yankees are eager to sign Sasaki, but his agent, Joel Wolfe, suggests that a smaller mid-market team like the Diamondbacks might be a better fit for him. Sasaki is known for his explosive fastball and splitter, with a strong desire to play in MLB.
Sasaki has a 45-day window to sign before having to return to Chiba Lotte, but waiting until the 2025 international signing period could be more beneficial financially. If he lives up to expectations, Sasaki could become an ace for the Diamondbacks, providing a top-end starter to pair with Zac Gallen or take his place if Gallen leaves. The Diamondbacks are focused on improving their pitching staff, and signing Sasaki would be a cost-effective way to do so.
The team must convince Sasaki that the Valley is the best place for him to develop and win. As the competition heats up for this promising young pitcher, fans eagerly await his decision on where he will begin his MLB career.
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