Japanese pitching sensation Rōki Sasaki is set to make his move to Major League Baseball this offseason. The Chiba Lotte Marines confirmed on Saturday that they have initiated the process to transfer the young ace to a North American club through the posting system.

Sasaki, who recently celebrated his 23rd birthday, is anticipated to be one of the most coveted pitchers in the upcoming market. This season, the right-hander boasted an impressive 10-5 record with a 2.35 ERA across 18 games, striking out 129 batters in 111 innings. Due to his age, Sasaki will be categorized as an international amateur free agent under MLB regulations, subject to bonus pool restrictions. Consequently, his initial contract will be a minor league deal, capped at seven figures.

The Marines will receive a percentage fee from his posting, with the amount contingent on the size of his contract. The exact timing of Sasaki's official posting, which would initiate a 45-day window for him to sign with an MLB team, remains uncertain. Sasaki played a pivotal role in Japan's victory at the 2023 World Baseball Classic. His fastball has been recorded at an astonishing 102.5mph, and he holds a 29-15 career record with a 2.10 ERA over his four seasons with the Marines, despite being marred by injuries. Notably, he pitched a perfect game against the Orix Buffaloes in April 2022, striking out 13 consecutive batters and finishing with 19 strikeouts.

In a statement shared by the Marines on X (formerly Twitter), Sasaki expressed his gratitude, saying, "Since joining the team, they have always considered my aspirations for a MLB challenge, and I am deeply thankful for their official approval to post me." He continued, "There were numerous challenges during my five years with the Marines, but I reached this point by focusing solely on baseball, supported by my teammates, staff, front office, and fans. I am committed to working hard to rise through the ranks from my minor league contract, aiming to become the best player in the world, ensuring I have no regrets in my baseball career and living up to the expectations of all those who have supported me."

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