MLB Ramping Up Pre-Season Scout Hunt Amidst Roki Sasaki Frenzy
As the calendar ticks closer to the 2025 MLB season, teams are embarking on a frenzy of recruitment efforts, with the prized Roki Sasaki emerging as the crown jewel of this year's signings. The Chiba Lotte Marines' ace pitcher is attracting attention from 20 clubs, with the Dodgers, Yankees, and Rangers among the frontrunners.
Sasaki's agent, Joel Wolfe, revealed that the 23-year-old's recruitment process began in December, drawing interest from more than a dozen clubs. Wolfe described the initial swell of interest as "overwhelming," with many teams sending pitches, videos, and even entire books showcasing their analysis and communication skills. To further evaluate potential suitors, Sasaki assigned a "homework assignment" to each team, assessing their ability to present a cohesive and thorough approach to understanding his career aspirations.
The New York Mets and Yankees are said to be particularly keen to secure Sasaki's services, with the team's pitching development and support for his long-term growth cited as key factors in their pursuit. While market size has historically been a major consideration for players, Sasaki is reportedly prioritizing improvement and learning opportunities over more conventional factors such as winning tradition or living conditions.
Other teams are also pursuing their own targets, with the Red Sox focusing on acquiring a right-handed bat to bolster their offense. General manager Brian O'Halloran stated that the team will be "open-minded" about finding the right fit, though third baseman Sam Hilliard remains their current incumbent. The Tigers, too, are searching for right-handed hitting to balance their heavily left-handed lineup, with ex-player Eugenio Suarez and outfielder Jose Siri as potential targets.
As the January 15-23 posting window approaches, Roki Sasaki is expected to shorten his list of options, potentially even visiting MLB cities in the coming weeks. With the recruiting process ongoing, teams will need to demonstrate their commitment to nurturing the young star's career if they hope to secure the signature of this highly touted prospect.