“This Isn’t a Yamamoto Situation”: Roki Sasaki’s Pursuit Leads AL Executive to Make a Bold Claim as Dodgers’ Hopes Start Fading

The MLB offseason is getting more exciting with the news of Japanese pitching star Roki Sasaki potentially making a move soon. Sasaki has already built a resume with the Chiba Lotte Marines at 23 years old, including a perfect game in 2022 and shining in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. With Sasaki’s recent decision to turn down a contract extension from his current team, MLB clubs are eager to sign him up.

Many in the industry see the Los Angeles Dodgers as the contenders for signing Sasaki if he becomes available this offseason. This move could solidify the Dodgers’ position as a powerhouse in baseball on a scale by bringing Sasaki on board to join other Japanese stars like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto already on their roster. Although this buzz about Sasaki joining Los Angeles is going, an executive from the American League has hinted that it’s not a thing yet.

Will Roki Sasaki join forces with the Dodgers?

According to MLB, an American league executive recently highlighted, “This isn’t a Yamamoto situation. Money isn’t going to be the primary issue when he chooses a team.” He also explained Sasaki’s move to the Dodgers is not confirmed – his decision can be influenced by many reasons other than financial incentives unlike last year’s sweepstakes, which led Yoshinobu Yamamoto to sign a $325 million deal with the Dodgers. Other well-known teams like the New York Mets, Yankees, and Giants could also present a convincing offer, given money is not something they have to worry about.

This is because players under the age of 25 who have not completed six years of service in a league are bound by MLB’s international amateur signing bonus pool regulations, which limit the terms of their contracts. The executive also adds while most teams would run to sign him still Dodgers and Padres will most likely be his landing spots.

The posting system and costs

If Roki Sasaki is put up for posting by the Marines to the MLB’s posting system and signed by the Dodgers or another team interested. They would need to pay a posting fee to the Marines, and as per the system rules, teams will have to negotiate with the player within 30 days. The fee is calculated based on a percentage of Sasaki’s contract value: 20 percent of the $25 million amount, then reduced to 17. 5 percent for the next $25 million, and finally, 15 percent for any amount exceeding $50 million.

Sasaki’s potential contract could be over $100 million, with the Marines possibly getting more than $45 million in posting fees. Top MLB teams are not discouraged by the expenses involved in the process of offering players deals. The Dodgers are currently at the forefront in this regard by managing their resources wisely to make competitive offers to talented players from around the world,

This ensures fair compensation for Japanese baseball teams, like the Marines through the posting system. For now, the outcome of Sasaki’s choice remains the biggest wildcard of winter. His debut in MLB will surely shake up the league regardless of whether he signs with the Dodgers or another club. What is your take on this? Let us know below.

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