Updated Post – Dec. 19 at 18:55
Andy Martino of SNY reports the Mets met with Japanese star right-handed pitcher Rōki Sasaki on Thursday.
Sasaki is subject to international bonus pool rules, so the most the Mets could sign him for is $6,261,600. Unless they trade for more bonus pool money, they can acquire up to 60% of their original pool.
The Mets already have a deal in place with the top position player in the 2025 IFA class, Elian Peña, for around $5 million. Though, technically, that deal is not official yet, and the Mets could back out of it.
Sasaki can officially sign beginning on Jan. 15 and his window to sign closes on Jan. 23.
Original Post – Dec. 18 at 16:10
The Roki Sasaki sweepstakes are officially on, with the Japanese flamethrower scheduled to meet with the Yankees “soon,” according to GM Brian Cashman. The Yankees’ long-time GM told reporters during their press conference to introduce recently signed lefty Max Fried.
Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Sasaki was officially posted eight days ago, but cannot sign with a team until the new MLB international signing period begins on January 15th. Starting on that day, he can sign with any team until the posting window closes on January 23rd.
The 23-year-old starting pitcher will likely be the most sought-after free agent this offseason, with his price point being limited to just over $7.5 million a year for eight small market teams, and the max is $6,261,600 for the Yankees and Mets. As an international amateur, he can only sign a minor league contract that is subject to international signing bonus pools.
Sasaki went 29-15 with a 2.10 ERA and 0.89 WHIP in four seasons in the NPB, with a fastball in the triple digits. He made waves pitching for Team Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
“Whoever gets him is going to have a very talented young pitcher going forward,” Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said earlier this offseason, professing his team’s interest, “We’re certainly going to give it our best shot.”
Sasaki will meet with the Bronx Bombers in California.
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