In response to the Mets’ headline-grabbing acquisition of Juan Soto, the Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly pursuing Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki.
According to MLB insider Jim Bowden, the Phillies are among a competitive list of teams—alongside the Padres, Yankees, Dodgers, and others—looking to sign the 23-year-old phenom.
Sasaki, expected to make his MLB decision between January 15 and 23, has a stellar record in Japan. Over 69 games with the Chiba Lotte Marines, he boasts a 2.02 ERA and an impressive 524 strikeouts against only 91 walks in 414.2 innings. His signing could provide the Phillies’ starting rotation with much-needed depth and youth.
The signing pool restrictions cap Sasaki’s potential deal at around $7 million, making him a relative bargain considering his talent. Despite never having signed a Japanese player before, landing Sasaki would significantly strengthen the Phillies’ pitching arsenal.
His choice will likely hinge on factors like developmental opportunities, endorsement deals, and championship potential. Adding Sasaki would be a bold answer to their division rival’s latest power move and could elevate the Phillies’ championship aspirations.
