Major League Baseball has been diligent in ensuring a fair process for Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki as he enters the 45-day window to sign with an MLB team. Sasaki, a 23-year-old right-hander, is expected to sign shortly after the 2025 international signing pool window opens on Jan. 15, aiming to kickstart the visa process for timely spring training arrival.
Sasaki, known for his 102.5 mph fastball, boasts an impressive record of 29-15 with a 2.10 ERA over four seasons with the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan. As an international amateur under 25, Sasaki falls under MLB's signing bonus pool regulations, with teams speculating on potential agreements.
