Roki Sasaki #14 of Team Japan
The buzz surrounding Roki Sasaki is about to reach a fever pitch as the 23-year-old pitching sensation from Japan is set to be posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), according to a report from Jeff Passan of ESPN. After dominating NPB for the last few seasons, Sasaki is now poised to make the leap to Major League Baseball in 2024, and it’s expected that a slew of MLB teams will be lining up to sign the flamethrowing right-hander.
The Sasaki Scouting Report: A Rare Talent
Sasaki has been one of the most hyped young pitchers in baseball since his professional debut in 2020, and for good reason. Over the course of his four-year career in Japan, Sasaki has posted an impressive 2.10 ERA and racked up 505 strikeouts over 394 2/3 innings. In 2023, he pitched 111 innings with a 2.35 ERA and tallied 129 strikeouts, showcasing his continued development as one of the most dominant arms in Asia.
Sasaki’s fastball is his standout offering, regularly sitting at 100 mph, and his splitter is considered one of the nastiest pitches in all of baseball. If his stuff translates well to MLB competition, Sasaki has the potential to be a top-tier starting pitcher for years to come.
Why the Phillies Are in Play for Sasaki
While the Chiba Lotte Marines will not make much money from the posting fee due to Sasaki’s age and status as an international amateur free agent, the timing of the official posting is still uncertain. However, once Sasaki becomes eligible to sign with a Major League team, there will undoubtedly be a heavy pursuit for his services.
One of the teams that could be a serious player in the Sasaki sweepstakes is the Philadelphia Phillies. According to Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Phillies scouted Sasaki this season, and it’s clear they’re intrigued by the possibility of adding the young Japanese star to their pitching staff.
The Phillies have never signed a player directly from Japan, though they were involved in last offseason’s bidding war for Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who ultimately signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers for a record-breaking contract. Despite missing out on Yamamoto, the Phillies have made it clear that they are keen on bringing in talent from Japan, and Sasaki could be the perfect fit.
The Phillies’ Rotation and Sasaki’s Potential Fit
The timing of a potential Sasaki signing is interesting, as the Phillies don’t have a glaring need in their rotation for 2025. However, there are several factors that could make Sasaki an appealing target.
First, there’s the matter of the fifth spot in the rotation. The team is expecting top pitching prospect Andrew Painter to make his major-league debut sometime next season, but he’s still recovering from Tommy John surgery and won’t be ready for a full season’s workload. This leaves the fifth spot in the rotation open, and there could be a competition in spring training to fill it.
Adding Sasaki would not only shore up that spot for 2025, but also provide long-term stability to the rotation. Ranger Suárez, a key contributor in 2023, is slated to be a free agent after the 2025 season, and Taijuan Walker’s future in Philadelphia is uncertain beyond the next couple of years. Meanwhile, Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, the team’s established veterans, are both getting up there in age, and the Phillies will need to think about the future of their rotation as they age out of their primes.
Sasaki, at just 23 years old, could be a piece to build around both in the short and long term. While he’s never thrown more than 130 innings in a season, his stuff is electric, and he’s shown the ability to dominate in Japan. If he can adjust to MLB hitters, Sasaki could quickly become a key part of the Phillies’ pitching staff.
A Competitive Market for Sasaki’s Services
Sasaki’s decision will come down to more than just money. Since he’s being posted as an international amateur free agent, the amount he can sign for is capped. This means the playing field will be more even in terms of financial offers, and Sasaki’s decision will likely come down to comfort, fit, and long-term opportunity rather than just the size of the contract.
The Phillies, under president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski, have shown an increasing presence in Japan, and they’re likely to be one of the many teams interested in bringing Sasaki aboard. However, they won’t be alone in the hunt. Teams like the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and San Diego Padres are all expected to make a run at the young ace.
Still, the Phillies’ desire to add a high-ceiling pitcher, along with their growing international scouting network, positions them as one of the more likely landing spots for Sasaki. The Phillies have not shied away from making bold moves, and adding a top-tier international prospect like Sasaki could be just what they need to take their rotation—and their overall roster—up a notch.
Final Thoughts: Sasaki Could Be a Game-Changer for the Phillies
As the 2024 offseason approaches, the chase for Roki Sasaki will undoubtedly be one of the most fascinating storylines in Major League Baseball. With his electric stuff, sky-high potential, and the intrigue surrounding his transition to MLB, the right-hander is expected to be a major prize on the free-agent market.
For the Philadelphia Phillies, signing Sasaki could be a game-changer, not just for 2025 but for the long-term future of their pitching staff. With several question marks in the rotation and a desire to compete for titles for years to come, adding Sasaki could give the Phillies one of the most formidable young pitchers in all of baseball. It’s a long shot, but one that’s worth watching closely as the Phillies look to take their next big step in building a championship-caliber roster.
