After being posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines on December 10, Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki began one of the most intriguing free-agency processes in recent MLB history. His agent, Joel Wolfe, invited all 30 MLB teams to express their interest by submitting detailed information for Sasaki’s review. The response was overwhelming, with 20 teams engaging in the opportunity.
As part of the process, each interested team received a unique “homework assignment” crafted by Sasaki and his representatives. While the specifics of the assignment were not disclosed, it was designed to reveal how teams analyze data and communicate their developmental strategies. According to Wolfe, this approach provided Sasaki with valuable insights into how each organization operates and supports its players.
“The assignment enabled teams to demonstrate their analytical and communication capabilities,” Wolfe explained. “It gave Roki a clearer picture of how each club aligns with his priorities for development and performance.”
Although speculation has pointed to the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres as frontrunners for Sasaki’s services, Wolfe emphasized that fairness and impartiality were central to the process. Sasaki wanted a “level playing field,” and to ensure this, all initial meetings were structured under the same conditions. Each meeting lasted no longer than two hours and was held at Wasserman’s offices in Los Angeles, a neutral environment for all parties involved.
In another unique move, Sasaki requested that no current players attend the meetings in person. Instead, any recruiting pitches from MLB stars, including the likes of Shohei Ohtani or Yoshinobu Yamamoto, were delivered via video messages. Wolfe described the typical team delegation as including general managers, assistant GMs, managers, pitching coaches, and biomechanics and training staff, rather than active players.
“There were a few teams that showed videos from players, but the meetings largely focused on team executives and performance specialists,” Wolfe noted.
Sasaki is currently back in Japan but plans to return to the U.S. in January for a second round of meetings with a select group of teams. This phase will further narrow his options as he moves closer to making his highly anticipated decision. Sasaki is expected to choose his next destination between January 15, when the international signing period opens, and January 23, when his 45-day posting window officially closes.
As one of the most sought-after international prospects in years, Sasaki’s meticulous approach underscores his commitment to finding the best environment for his MLB career.
