As the New York Yankees and the New York Mets extend offers to Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki, his manager has revealed the potential path for Sasaki to make his move to MLB. One country that has proven to be a hotbed for young talent in Major League Baseball (MLB) is Japan.

The stats: His arsenal also includes the slider and the splitter. During the exhibition games leading up to the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Sasaki shot off a 102.5 mph fastball. In his four years with the Japanese team he plays for, Sasaki has recorded 524 strikeouts, 91 walks in 414 ⅔ innings, and a 2.02 ERA.

Roki Sasaki, the 23-year-old Japanese pitching phenom, is the crown jewel of this offseason’s international market. While the odds might not favor the Bronx Bombers, their name remains firmly in the mix as we inch closer to the January 15 signing deadline.