While Juan Soto currently dominates headlines in the MLB, another name is making waves internationally: Roki Sasaki. The star pitcher from Japan’s Chiba Lotte Marines has long set his sights on joining MLB, and after much anticipation, it’s finally happening. On Saturday, the Marines announced that they would post Sasaki, making him eligible to join a Major League team in 2025. Despite being compared to top Japanese talents like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Sasaki won’t command the massive $325 million deal that some might expect.

This move may seem to be a downside for both Sasaki and the Marines. Due to his age—only 23—Sasaki will be subject to MLB’s international signing restrictions, which means he’ll be limited to a minor league contract with a cap of roughly $10 million. Though bittersweet for Sasaki, this presents an incredible opportunity for MLB teams, who can add a talent of Sasaki’s caliber at a relatively low cost. However, early reports suggest the Boston Red Sox could be a leading contender to sign the highly coveted pitcher.

Craig Breslow makes a trip to the east for Sasaki

The Boston Red Sox may not have had a standout season, but their chief baseball officer, Craig Breslow, isn’t letting that slow him down. In his second year with the team, Breslow is already making moves to improve the future of the Sox. Recently, he traveled to Japan to get a firsthand look at the 23-year-old pitching sensation, Roki Sasaki, who has been creating a buzz in Nippon Professional Baseball over the past few years.

Sasaki’s elite skills on the mound have caught the attention of MLB teams, and with his impending posting for the 2025 season, many are vying for the opportunity to sign him. With the Red Sox’s interest now in the spotlight, they could be in a strong position to secure this highly sought-after talent.

Moreover, Boston’s need for pitching improvement is no secret. With the team missing the playoffs for the third consecutive year, it’s clear that several areas need work—especially the pitching staff. They have additionally been plagued with a series of challenges, including injuries, offensive slumps, and a staggering 115 errors in defense. Adding a talent like Sasaki could be the game-changer they desperately need. This is the reason that Breslow has been vocal about the importance of developing homegrown talent while supplementing it through smart free-agent acquisitions. His recent trip to Japan to scout Sasaki signals the Red Sox’s serious interest in the young ace.

However, the Red Sox will face stiff competition. The LA Dodgers are also reportedly eyeing Sasaki, among other teams, making this a high-stakes race for the Japanese sensation.

Will Roki Sasaki head to the LA Dodgers?

Sasaki, aka ‘The Monster of the Reiwa Era’ is quite a mouthful for a nickname, but well, grand names for grand players, we guess? He vowed to everyone in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, and now the MLB teams are ready to acquire him. And if you have to believe what the rumors are saying, it’s that Sasaki is headed to the Los Angeles Dodgers. And it makes sense!

The LA Dodgers have been keeping a close eye on Roki Sasaki for years, and their long-standing relationship with his representatives could give them a significant boost in the race for the young pitcher. With teammates like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto already on the team, Sasaki would find comfort in joining a team with familiar faces and fellow countrymen, which could help him adjust more easily to life in MLB, especially as a rookie.

The Dodgers’ deep pockets also give them an edge, with plenty of money remaining in their bonus pool this year to make a competitive offer. Additionally, the Dodgers’ potential six-man rotation could be ideal for Sasaki, who is accustomed to pitching once a week in Japan. This setup would allow him to transition smoothly into the MLB schedule while still getting plenty of work on the mound.

With all these factors in their favor, the Dodgers are certainly in a strong position to land Sasaki. However, the Red Sox won’t make it easy, and it’s clear that they are equally motivated to add him to their roster. The competition is fierce, but whoever secures Roki Sasaki will be adding a once-in-a-generation talent to their pitching staff. What do you think? Let us know in the comments!