Hidden Gem: Yankees Discover Japanese Pitcher With 102 MPH Fastball

The New York Yankees aggressively pursued Japanese superstar Yoshinobu Yamamoto last off-season before he ultimately signed a massive 12-year, $325 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 26-year-old right-hander delivered a strong rookie season despite some injury challenges and put on a show against the Yankees in the World Series. Yamamoto would have been the ideal No. 2 starter behind Gerrit Cole, even with the team’s investment in Carlos Rodon.

However, the Yankees may soon get another opportunity to secure a rising star from Japan, as 23-year-old right-handed pitcher Roki Sasaki aims to make his way to the MLB.

Sasaki’s Efforts to Enter the MLB

Currently playing for the Chiba Lotte Marines, Sasaki is pushing to join the MLB, where he could compete at the highest level and increase his earnings. Last year, Sasaki attempted to decline an offer from the Marines, and he is repeating that approach this off-season in hopes of pressuring the team to post him for MLB teams to consider.

The Marines face two options: they can either post Sasaki, allowing him to sign with an MLB team, or continue negotiations to keep him in Japan. The club has a financial incentive to retain him for as long as possible, as they could eventually secure a substantial posting fee — Yamamoto incurred a $30 million fee.

Sasaki’s performance speaks volumes about his potential. He tossed 111 innings this past season with a 2.35 ERA, recording 129 strikeouts, allowing only two home runs, and maintaining a 1.036 WHIP.

Sasaki is still refining his fundamentals, and joining a team with a pitching coach like Matt Blake could elevate his performance and improve his long-term health. Sasaki’s ability to throw up to 102 mph as a starting pitcher is rare, making him a highly coveted prospect.

Dodgers Expected to Compete for Sasaki

If the Marines decide to post Sasaki, the Dodgers are expected to be active in the bidding, especially given Sasaki’s international-amateur status, which would allow them to secure an elite starter at a fraction of the usual cost. For the Yankees, this means they would have to pull out all the stops to make a compelling case for Sasaki to choose New York over Los Angeles, where the Dodgers have built a championship-caliber roster.