**Japanese Pitcher Roki Sasaki to Enter MLB Market with Anticipated Posting**

Roki Sasaki, a renowned pitcher in Japan, is preparing to make his anticipated transition to Major League Baseball (MLB). The Chiba Lotte Marines, Sasaki's team in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), confirmed early Saturday that they will post the 23-year-old right-hander, thus making him available to MLB teams. This move is expected to ignite a competitive pursuit for his signing.

Sasaki will be classified as an international amateur in MLB's system due to his age. Consequently, he will earn the minimum salary with a capped bonus. Each MLB team has a designated budget for signing international amateurs, which they cannot exceed unless they trade for additional space. Budgets for 2025 range from $5.1 million to $7.6 million. Sasaki's salary, along with the 20 percent fee paid to the Lotte Marines, will thus be modest figures compared to other stars.

Sasaki has been a highly sought-after player since his high school days, admired for his talent and speed, with his fastball hitting triple digits. According to The Athletic's evaluations, Sasaki ranks just behind Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes in their free-agent rankings. Analysts suggest that if Sasaki were part of the amateur draft, he would easily be a top-five pick.

The timeline for Sasaki's inclusion into MLB remains uncertain. The 2024 international signing period ends on December 15, and the 2025 period begins on January 15. Although clubs have already committed to players in these classes, Sasaki's exceptional talent makes him a prime target for many teams. Once posted, Sasaki will have 45 days to sign, with expectations high that he will join an MLB team for the 2025 season.

There was speculation about delaying his MLB entry until 2026, when Sasaki would be 25 and classified as a "foreign professional," which would result in significantly higher earnings and no international bonus pool restrictions. However, the Marines’ decision means Sasaki will enter the market earlier, following a path similar to Shohei Ohtani. The Dodgers, who have signed stars like Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto before, are closely linked to Sasaki, with the New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, Yankees, and Padres also showing interest.

Sasaki's impressive performance includes pitching for Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where he showcased his powerful fastball alongside a slider and splitter. While his talent is notable, some questions linger about his durability.

Roki Sasaki's upcoming MLB posting marks a significant moment, promising to shake up the market with multiple teams vying for his extraordinary talent.