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When Roki Sasaki hits the MLB market, every team can make a credible bid

The promising Japanese pitcher will be part of next year’s international amateur class. Here’s what that means for his future.

6 min
FILE- Japan's Roki Sasaki delivers a pitch during the first inning of a World Baseball Classic game against Mexico, Monday, March 20, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
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Roki Sasaki, the Japanese pitching prodigy heading to Major League Baseball this winter, will sign as a member of next year’s international amateur class, not this year’s, Commissioner Rob Manfred said Wednesday.

The timing will have a significant impact on Sasaki’s MLB future: International signing periods run from Jan. 15 to Dec. 15 annually, so most teams have committed their signing bonus allotments for this year to other international free agents. By waiting, Sasaki, 23, ensures not only that any team bidding for him could offer its entire signing bonus pool, but also that all 30 teams can make credible bids.