Roki Sasaki Pursuit: Cubs Clear First Step, but Free Agent Still to ‘Narrow the Field’
The Pursuit Continues
The Chicago Cubs have taken the first steps in pursuing 23-year-old free agent flame-thrower Roki Sasaki, but the Japanese phenom has yet to whittle down the playing field from an initial round of in-person interviews, according to Sasaki’s agent Joel Wolfe.
“He is definitely driving the ship and calling the shots,”
Wolfe said during a Zoom news conference call Monday. “Roki is a very driven and intelligent and particular person.”
The Posting System Deadline Looms
Sasaki has to make his decision in the next three and a half weeks, bound by the rules of the posting system as he moves from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball to MLB. The 2025 international signing period opens on January 15, and Sasaki’s posting window remains open for about another week after.
No Rush to Sign
Wolfe said that “as of now” he doesn’t foresee Sasaki signing as soon as the international period opens.
The Cubs’ Presentation
When Sasaki was posted for MLB teams earlier this month, his agents at Wasserman put out an all-call for teams to submit information for him to review. By their last count, 20 teams had sent in material. The Cubs, according to sources, were among the teams that began preparing their presentation in advance and submitted their presentation within days of Sasaki’s posting.
“It was really something,”
Wolfe said. “The level of preparation, the videos – I mean, it was like the Roki Film Festival.”
In-Person Meetings
The next step was a round of in-person meetings, which included the Cubs, sources confirmed. But Wolfe declined to say how many teams Sasaki met with, citing the uniqueness of the amateur international free agent process.
Sasaki’s Criteria
Wanting to ensure a “fair and level playing field,” Wolfe said, Sasaki set specific criteria for the first round of meetings. They were held at the Wasserman offices in Los Angeles and limited to under two hours each. No players were to serve as team representatives. And Sasaki gave every team a “homework assignment.”
Next Steps
Sasaki returned to Japan over the holidays. His next steps could include first-round meetings with one or two more teams, but Wolfe said it was more likely that Sasaki would begin “narrowing the field.” Sasaki will also decide whether he wants to visit “one or two cities” as he finalizes his decision.
The Cubs’ Case
If the Cubs manage to sign Sasaki, the move would strengthen their case as serious competitors next season. They’d be further strengthening their rotation right after adding three-time All-Star Kyle Tucker, the kind of hitter their lineup was missing.
Future Potential
Sasaki’s velocity and plus stuff are expected to make him tough against hitters right away. And he is so young that he could also help extend the Cubs’ championship window. Sasaki might not be an ace immediately, but many believe he has future Cy Young potential.
Conclusion
As Wolfe talked about how Sasaki’s experience in the 2023 World Baseball Classic helped inspire him to make the jump to MLB, playing with Japanese MLB stars Shohei Ohtani and Yu Darvish, the agent made offhand mention of a Cubs pitcher.
FAQs
* When does Sasaki’s posting window close?
The posting window remains open for about another week after the international signing period opens on January 15.
* How many teams have submitted information for Sasaki to review?
By their last count, 20 teams had sent in material.
* Will Sasaki sign as soon as the international period opens?
As of now, Sasaki’s agent Joel Wolfe doesn’t foresee Sasaki signing as soon as the international period opens.
