"Official Posting of Japanese Right-Handed Pitcher Roki Sasaki; 45-Day Period for Bidding Begins"

The auction for Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki is set to commence, as the flame-throwing right-hander has been officially made available to Major League Baseball teams and can be signed as a free agent starting Tuesday.

After being posted by his Japanese club, the Chiba Lotte Marines, Sasaki will have a 45-day window to negotiate, with his signing period ending at 5 p.m. ET on January 23.

At 23 years old, Sasaki won't be in line for a massive payday with his first MLB contract. Foreign players under the age of 25 and with less than six years of experience are limited in their potential earnings, meaning Sasaki won't be able to match the 12-year, $325 million deal that Yoshinobu Yamamoto signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers last December.

Also see this picks: Memphis Tigers vs. Temple Owls Pick & Prediction JANUARY 16th 2025 Also see this picks: Indiana Pacers vs. Detroit Pistons Pick & Prediction JANUARY 16th 2025

Sasaki is highly regarded for his powerful arm, boasting a 100-mph fastball and impressive sinker.

In 2024 with the Marines, he recorded a 10-5 record with a 2.35 ERA, 129 strikeouts, and 32 walks in 111 innings. In four years, Sasaki has pitched 394 2/3 innings, earning a 29-15 record with a 2.10 ERA, 505 strikeouts, and 88 walks.

In a statement released on November 9 by the Marines on the social media platform X, Sasaki expressed his gratitude for being officially posted. He said, "There were many challenges during my five years with the Marines, but with the support of my teammates, staff, front office, and fans, I was able to reach this point by focusing solely on baseball. I will do my best to climb the ranks from my minor contract and become the best player in the world, so that I have no regrets in my one and only baseball career and live up to the expectations of all those who have supported me."

According to ESPN, several MLB teams are expected to pursue Sasaki, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, and Chicago Cubs.

Whichever team ultimately signs Sasaki will be required to pay the Marines a posting fee equivalent to 25% of the signing bonus.