Roki Sasaki Posting Predictions || Internation Signing Period
Edition #224
At the request of many readers, I’m going to talk about some current-day MLB news. Going to be a bit shorter because I’m in the middle of writing a huge divisional round predictions piece.
Obviously, we all know that Roki Sasaki was posted yesterday. While Juan Soto has been the subject of some discussion this offseason, Roki Sasaki has been the most coveted. The hype he’s generated around here is Shohei Ohtani-level, and MLB teams have been waiting to sign this man.
His heater has reached up to 102 mph in the past and posted an average of 98.8 mph in 2023, featuring an arm-side run. However, there was a bit of concern regarding a slight decrease in velocity last season, yielding a 96.8 mph average, with some scouts noting it was a touch straighter compared to the 2023 version. Sasaki’s splitter is nearly unhittable, thrown in the 88-90 mph range; it effectively kills spin and resembles his fastball as it leaves his hand. This offspeed pitch generated an impressive 57.1 percent whiff rate in 2024. His slider, while serving as his third pitch, is considered above-average to plus and also has a high miss rate.
Whatever team Roki Sasaki lands on, it will automatically be on a higher level. Currently, he’s ruled out all but three teams: the Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, and the San Diego Padres. Sasaki ruled out the New York Yankees, but most surprisingly, he ruled out the Cubs, who had been huge contenders for Sasaki since day 1 of his name being given out.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, the team despised for spending quite a bit of money, are going to get a 2nd meeting with Roki, and according to my sources, it seems that there is a chance that this could be the deciding meeting. This doesn't mean he’ll rule out the Dodgers if the meeting doesn’t go well.
The San Diego Padres can easily steal away Roki. Yu Darvish has been a huge ambassador for Roki, and he can make a name for himself in San Diego.
The Blue Jays are a great destination if Roki Sasaki wants to be the face of the country. They have a great squad, too, with Vladdy, Bo Bichette, and more. Adding Sasaki to that team will make them even better and the AL East even better.
So, there is that. From what I’m hearing right now, Roki Sasaki might have already ruled out the Padres1, bringing it down to LAD and the Blue Jays. In the end, I do predict the Dodgers to sign him, not because of my bias, but because of the fact that the Dodgers are hoarding all these Japanese superstars.
Now, to the international signing period, which is always such an interesting time of the MLB offseason for me. Roughly 30% of current MLB players were originally signed as international free agents, including Ronald Acuña Jr., Shohei Ohtani, José Ramírez, and Juan Soto, so a lot of young studs could be drafted to teams here.
Here are all the signings so far through day 1.
As the international signing period is about to begin, 17-year-old Cuban prospect Alejandro Cruz is moments away from officially signing with the Chicago White Sox.
18-year-old Taiwanese right-hander Lin Po-Chun is set to sign with the Seattle Mariners for approximately $350K, sources confirmed the agreement a few hours ago.
The Dominican INF Elian Peña has officially signed with the New York Mets. Bonus deal: $5,000,000. Highest bonus in the class for a Latin American player.
Dominican SS Teilon Serrano is set to sign today with the Minnesota Twins for approximately $1M, sources confirmed.
Cuban OF Eduardo Guillen officially signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. Bonus deal: $65k.
Cuban outfielder Diego Tornes (16) has officially signed with the Atlanta Braves. Bonus deal: $2,500,000.
The San Francisco Giants have officially signed SS Josuar de Jesus Gonzalez, the most complete position player in the international class according to many scouts. Bonus deal: $2,500,000.
Venezuelan C Carlos Martinez has officially signed with the San Francisco Giants.
The Venezuelan SS Yulian Barreto has officially signed with the San Francisco Giants. Bonus deal: $900,000.
Dominican OF Royelny Strop, son of former MLB player Pedro Strop, has officially signed with the St. Louis Cardinals. Bonus deal: $1.4M.
Venezuelan OF Brailin Antunez has officially signed with the Milwaukee Brewers. Bonus deal: $1,000,000.
You can find the rest of the signings here: https://x.com/francysromeroFR. Francys is on Substack too!
.I’ve talked to a few people, but these people have been 50% with most of their predictions this offseason (they’ve been over 90 last season), so is it trustworthy is your call. I say yes.
Man, I definitely need Sasaki to sign with the Dodgers. As a Rays fan, I don't need Toronto to get better and join the other three beasts of the East.