Roki Sasaki is one of the most coveted free agents out there.
He is subject to the posting process, which officially started this week and gives him 45 days to sign with an MLB team.
By being available exclusively for international bonus pool money, virtually every team has a shot at Sasaki.
Of course, bringing him in would mean sacrificing almost the entire bonus pool money allocation, but it will be worth it: Sasaki is 23, has a low-2.00s ERA in Japan, a triple digits fastball and international experience.
He is exactly the kind of pitcher within the Cleveland Guardians range: the financial commitment won’t exceed $10 million, which is dirt cheap for a potential ace.
But do the Guardians have a shot?
Sasaki has stated that he will consider every team with a strong player development program.
The Guards qualify quite comfortably, as they are known for being a pitching factory and helping hurlers become stars.
However, to this point, the media has identified the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres as the favorites.
It’s not uncommon for Japanese free agents: for geographical reasons, they prefer the West Coast.
But those are rumors: Sasaki is welcoming bids from every team.
Yes, that includes squads in small to mid-markets.
“Joel Wolfe (agent) said Roki Sasaki could benefit from a “soft landing” in a small to mid-market team, partially because of how tough the Japanese media has been on his mental health,” Foul Territory posted on X.
https://x.com/FoulTerritoryTV/status/1866542530382401731
Cleveland fits the description here: the media has certain expectations and standards, as it happens in every big city, but it can’t be compared with Los Angeles and New York, for example.
There has been no word of Sasaki being on the Guardians’ radar, but he could be.
And he should be.
NEXT: Guardians Manager Discusses Learning On The Go
