Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki, just 23 years old, officially entered the MLB posting system on December 10, sparking a frenzy among major league teams eager to secure his services. Teams now have a 45-day window to negotiate with Sasaki, who is already drawing significant interest, including from the New York Mets. Sasaki is considered one of the most promising pitchers in the world, with an impressive track record in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and a standout performance in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
Over four seasons in the NPB, Sasaki has amassed a stellar record of 29-15 with a 2.10 ERA and 505 strikeouts over 394.3 innings. His dominance on the mound, combined with his exceptional skill set, has positioned him as a highly sought-after talent. ESPN’s Jeff Passan recently highlighted several MLB teams expected to be key contenders in the Sasaki sweepstakes, including the New York Mets, San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, and San Francisco Giants. The Mets, in particular, are reportedly serious players in this pursuit.
Jim Bowden of The Athletic emphasized the Mets’ strong position during a December 9 appearance on CBS Sports. He noted the importance of the relationship between Sasaki’s representation, the Wasserman Group, and Mets pitching coach Jeremy Hefner, suggesting that Hefner’s influence could play a critical role in the Mets’ recruitment efforts.
Sasaki’s agent, Joel Wolfe, shed light on his client’s aspirations during a media briefing on December 10. Wolfe acknowledged the challenges Sasaki has faced with intense scrutiny from the Japanese media, noting that Sasaki has long harbored dreams of playing in Major League Baseball. Wolfe stated, “His dream is to come [to America] to the major leagues,” a declaration that underscores Sasaki’s readiness to make the leap.
However, Wolfe raised eyebrows when he suggested that Sasaki might benefit from starting his MLB career in a smaller or mid-market team to ease his transition. Wolfe said, “There’s an argument to be made that a smaller, mid-market team might be more beneficial for him as a soft landing… but it might be beneficial for him to be in a smaller market.” This statement initially cast doubt on Sasaki’s potential fit with the Mets, given the high-pressure environment and relentless media attention in New York.
Nevertheless, Wolfe clarified that Sasaki has not expressed any strong preferences or reservations about specific cities. “He hasn’t said anything negative about any particular city,” Wolfe said. He also added, “I think he can handle [New York], just based off what I’ve seen,” offering reassurance that Sasaki’s skills and mental fortitude might allow him to thrive in a demanding market like New York.
For now, the destination of Roki Sasaki remains uncertain, with many factors yet to be determined in the coming weeks. However, the Mets remain one of the frontrunners in the race to sign this exceptional talent. Given the organization’s history of pursuing top-tier international players and its potential appeal as a high-profile landing spot, the Mets have ample reason to feel optimistic about their chances of landing Sasaki. With the clock ticking on the 45-day negotiation window, Sasaki’s future in MLB promises to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the offseason.
