The pursuit of 23-year-old pitching sensation Roki Sasaki has entered a critical phase as multiple Major League Baseball (MLB) teams vie for his signature. As the Chicago Cubs eagerly await their fate, Sasaki remains deliberate and methodical in narrowing down his options within the constraints of the posting system. The international signing period opens on January 15, 2025, giving Sasaki just over three weeks to make his decision. His agent, Joel Wolfe, emphasized that Sasaki is fully in control of this process, highlighting his intelligence and determination. Initially, 20 teams submitted detailed presentations, with some teams, including the Cubs, preparing extensively to impress the young star. The next phase involved in-person meetings at Wasserman offices in Los Angeles, where each team had limited time to showcase their appeal.

Sasaki's Methodical Approach to Team Selection

Roki Sasaki's transition from Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) to MLB is being handled with utmost care. To ensure fairness, Sasaki established specific criteria for the first round of meetings. These sessions were held under strict conditions: they were limited to two hours, no players could represent teams, and each team was given an identical "homework assignment" to evaluate their analytical and communication skills. This approach allowed Sasaki to gauge how well each team could collaborate with him and understand his needs. After returning to Japan for the holidays, Sasaki will likely begin narrowing down his choices. He may also consider visiting one or two cities before making his final decision.

The Cubs, along with other interested parties, have invested significant effort into presenting themselves as ideal partners for Sasaki. Their preparation included comprehensive materials and videos tailored specifically for him. The Cubs are keen to add such a promising talent to their roster, as it would significantly bolster their competitiveness. If successful, Sasaki could enhance the Cubs' pitching rotation and extend their championship window. Despite not being an immediate ace, many believe he possesses the potential to become one of MLB's top pitchers in the future. Sasaki's ambition to be among the greatest ever drives his decision-making process.

Potential Impact on Cubs' Future

If the Cubs manage to sign Roki Sasaki, it would signal their commitment to becoming serious contenders in the upcoming season. Adding a pitcher of Sasaki's caliber would strengthen their lineup, especially after acquiring three-time All-Star Kyle Tucker. Sasaki's exceptional velocity and skill set are expected to make him a formidable opponent right from the start. Given his youth, he could play a crucial role in extending the Cubs' championship window. While he might not immediately be an ace, many industry experts see Cy Young potential in him. Sasaki's desire to challenge himself against the best players daily aligns perfectly with his long-term goals.

Sasaki's experience in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, playing alongside stars like Shohei Ohtani and Yu Darvish, further fueled his ambition to join MLB. Observing Shota Imanaga's success in MLB during the first half of the season likely reinforced his decision to take the leap. By coming to MLB, Sasaki aims to tap into the resources available to help him achieve his goal of becoming one of the best pitchers in baseball history. The Cubs, known for their strong development programs, could provide the perfect environment for Sasaki to thrive and realize his full potential.