The Los Angeles Dodgers may not actually be the favorites to sign 23-year-old Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki in free agency.

The previously unspecified arm injury that caused Sasaki to miss time in 2024 was reportedly “a bout with shoulder fatigue,” according to The Athletic’s Will Sammon. The young right-hander’s recent injury history is just about the only thing that could give potential suitors pause this offseason,

Roki Sasaki, the Japanese right-hander considered one of the most talented pitchers in the world, will be posted to MLB, the Chiba Lotte Marines announced.

Here are two things about Chiba Lotte Marines pitcher Roki Sasaki’s impending move to MLB via the posting system: It sets a bad precedent. It will not instantly turn NPB into an MLB feeder system.

Great idea. Especially in the pursuit of Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki, who will be posted this winter. He’s the equivalent of a Golden Ticket. His signing bonus won’t cost more than a team’s already allotted international free agency pool money. He will make the major league minimum. At least for his first season. Every team will shoot their shot.

For years, Seattle was regarded as a premier destination for Japanese players making the jump to Major League Baseball. The Mariners had strong ties across the Pacific: They had a longtime owner, Hiroshi Yamauchi,

The Seattle Mariners will make an attempt to sign Chiba Lotte Marines pitcher Roki Sasaki when he is posted for free agency.

Roki Sasaki is coming to MLB for the 2025 season after the Chiba Lotte Marines announced their intent to post the phenom pitcher for clubs to sign. The Los Angeles Dodgers have been heavily connected to Sasaki even before news of his eventual posting was confirmed,