Juan Soto is facing tough competition! The World Series is over, but the off-season race has begun, and while Soto may be the gem of the season—there is another star demanding attention as much as him. It’s none other than the 23-year-old Japanese star Roki Sasaki. For the longest time, the question of whether he would be posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines brewed doubts. After all, why would they let go of their star player and the chance of getting a handsome bonus? But finally, on Saturday, it was confirmed that Sasaki will be posted.

This has sent shockwaves across the baseball world. With major teams wanting to snag him. From the LA Dodgers to the San Diego Padres—Sasaki has the attention of every team in MLB. Not just because the Monster of the Reiwa Era has perfect games under his name, but because he coming to MLB now is a huge bargain, at least for the team. Sasaki is bound by a minor-league contract; while this isn’t great for the Marines as they will get a rather smaller cut on his signing, it is good news for the MLB teams here. The Dodgers were super interested, but it seems like they might have to sit this one out.

MLB teams must impress Sasaki beyond the dollars

The Los Angeles Dodgers in the off-season have one thing going for them—their budget. Given that much of the money owed to Ohtani is deferred, they have plenty of legroom. Hence, the team would want to clinch Roki Sasaki, who is known for his fastball and pinpoint control. But there is a major if/but here given while the Dodgers have money to spend, it won’t matter in Sasaki’s case.

The Dodgers famously signed Shohei Ohtani and Yamamoto with whopping contracts. But according to an American League executive, “This isn’t a Yamamoto situation. Money isn’t going to be the primary issue when he [ Sasaki] chooses a team.” This is because players who are younger than 25 years old are subject to signing bonuses. This means Sasaki will walk literally in the footsteps of Ohtani. The Sho signed with the Los Angeles Angels back in 2017 for $2.315 million. Sasaki won’t be getting more than $7 million for his deal.

Busting the Dodger dream was Jim Allen, baseball columnist for the Daily Yomiuri who reported on X, “The #Dodgers are not a lock to sign Roki Sasaki.” He added that a source close to Sasaki said a small-market team with a solid development setup would be Sasaki’s choice. Another AL executive, too, said, “Teams are going to have to sell themselves, not just write the biggest check. It still may not be a level playing field because every team won’t have what he’s looking for, but the size of your payroll isn’t necessarily as important.” So, it seems like the ball is in Sasaki’s court, all the way.

Roki Sasaki’s MLB dream was realized by his Japan team

Roki Sasaki’s dream of playing in the MLB is coming true. He has a career ERA of 2.02 and 524 strikeouts in 414.2 innings—his talent is undeniable. His fastball reaches 102mph, and his sharp slider—has earned his praises from MLB’s best, some even comparing or revering him above Yamamoto. Sasaki wanted to pave his way in America from last season, but the Marines declined. This time, though, they agreed.

“From the time he joined the organization, we were told by [Sasaki] of his dream to play in America. Taking into account the last five years as a whole, we have decided to prioritize his thoughts. We are hoping he does his best as a representative of Japan. We are cheering for him,” said Chiba Lotte GM Naoki Matsumoto. Though Sasaki’s time with the Marines wasn’t the easiest, and coving them might have been a struggle, he has nothing but gratitude for them.

“I am very grateful to the team for officially allowing me to post,” Roki Sasaki said, adding, “I will do my best to work my way up from my minor contract to become the best player in the world.” Well, it remains to see how he can do in MLB. For now, it’s unclear when Sasaki will be posted, but his journey could begin after January 15, when MLB teams open their international signing period.