The race for Roki Sasaki is heating up, and the New York Mets have made a significant move in the sweepstakes. According to SNY’s Andy Martino, the Mets and Sasaki held a meeting on Thursday, with the Mets being one of several teams in pursuit of the dynamic Japanese right-hander. Already having secured free agent pitchers Frankie Montas, Clay Holmes, and Griffin Canning, the Mets are considered one of the favorites to sign Sasaki, who has been posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).
Sasaki, 23, is set to make a decision within a 45-day window, with the deadline falling between January 15 and January 23. Over four successful seasons in Japan, Sasaki has emerged as one of the most promising pitchers in recent memory. He boasts a remarkable 30-15 record, a 2.02 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, and a stunning 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings (K/9), while allowing just 15 home runs. His electric fastball, combined with his devastating off-speed pitches, has garnered attention worldwide, and his nearly unimaginable streak of 17 perfect innings, including a 19-strikeout perfect game on April 10, 2022, has only added to his allure. Sasaki followed this performance with another eight perfect innings in his next start, showcasing his dominance.
One of Sasaki’s most enticing qualities is his affordability. Due to his age and lack of six years of professional experience, he is only eligible for a minor league deal, meaning the Chiba Lotte Marines will receive a smaller posting fee than other international stars. This makes Sasaki available to every major league team and presents a unique opportunity for the Mets to potentially sign him at a fraction of the cost of other high-profile pitchers. Despite already committing a massive 15-year, $765 million contract to Juan Soto this offseason, the Mets’ ability to sign Sasaki could prove to be a bargain addition to their roster.
The Mets are in need of a top-tier pitcher to anchor their rotation, as their recent additions of Montas, Holmes, and Canning have yet to be proven as consistent starters. The team is also dealing with uncertainty regarding regular ace Kodai Senga, who made only one regular season start in 2024 due to injuries. Adding Sasaki would give the Mets a potential ace on the rise, solidifying their rotation and possibly making them one of the most formidable teams in the National League, alongside the Los Angeles Dodgers. With a deal for Sasaki, the Mets could be positioned to contend for championships for years to come.
