Amidst Dodgers Links, Roki Sasaki’s Sweepstakes Intensify After Red Sox’s Craig Breslow’s Japan Trip

While Juan Soto captures most of MLB’s buzz, another player is making international waves: Roki Sasaki. This star pitcher from Japan’s Chiba Lotte Marines has set his sights on joining the MLB, and it’s happening soon. On Saturday, the Marines announced they would post Sasaki, making him eligible for the Major Leagues in 2025. Though Sasaki is often compared to elite Japanese players like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, his contract won’t reach the massive $325 million some expect due to his age-related signing restrictions.*

Due to Sasaki’s age—only 23—he’ll be subject to MLB’s international signing restrictions, capping his contract at around $10 million. While bittersweet for Sasaki, this offers MLB teams an incredible opportunity to secure his talent at a lower cost. Early reports suggest the Boston Red Sox might be leading the pack in the race to sign Sasaki.

Craig Breslow Ventures East to Scout Sasaki

The Boston Red Sox may have missed the playoffs, but Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow is on a mission to change that. Now in his second year with the Red Sox, Breslow recently traveled to Japan for a firsthand look at 23-year-old Roki Sasaki, who’s been impressing fans and scouts alike in Nippon Professional Baseball. Breslow’s trip underlines the Red Sox’s ambition to enhance their pitching staff—a long-needed improvement after a season of injuries, slumps, and defensive errors.

For the Red Sox, signing Sasaki could be a crucial move. His elite skillset is attracting serious MLB interest, and Boston’s recent struggles make this an ideal time for pitching reinforcements. Breslow has advocated for combining homegrown talent with smart free-agent acquisitions, and his visit to Japan signals Boston’s serious intent to bring Sasaki into the fold.

However, competition for Sasaki will be intense. Rumors suggest the LA Dodgers are also keen, creating a high-stakes race for the Japanese ace.

Could Roki Sasaki Land with the LA Dodgers?

Dubbed “The Monster of the Reiwa Era,” Sasaki made waves in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, and MLB teams are now clamoring to sign him. Speculation is growing that Sasaki could be bound for the LA Dodgers, which makes sense: the Dodgers have maintained a close relationship with his team and are known for their willingness to invest big in elite international talent.

With Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto already on the Dodgers’ radar, Sasaki would find familiar faces and a welcoming atmosphere in Los Angeles. The Dodgers’ deep pockets also allow them to offer a competitive bonus, and their potential six-man rotation aligns perfectly with Sasaki’s current once-a-week pitching schedule in Japan. For Sasaki, this could mean a smoother transition to MLB life.

The Dodgers appear well-positioned to sign Sasaki, yet the Red Sox are unlikely to back down. Whoever wins this international bidding war will secure a once-in-a-generation talent—a pitcher poised to make history in Major League Baseball. What do you think? Let us know in the comments!