The one free agent star that every team in baseball is eagerly awaiting is about to make an appearance on the market. Roki Sasaki, a 23-year-old right-hander from Japan, will be posted during the Winter Meetings in Dallas this week, kicking off a 45-day period for him to sign. His impressive track record and potential have teams across the league taking notice.

Unlock the Potential of Baseball's Next Great Pitcher

Why Roki Sasaki is a Game-Changer

Roki Sasaki has been a force to be reckoned with in the Japanese baseball scene. Over the last four seasons with the Chiba Lotte Marines, he amassed an astonishing 29-15 record with a minuscule 2.10 ERA and an exceptional 0.89 WHIP. His ability to average 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings is a testament to his dominance. His triple-digit fastball and lethal splitter make him a formidable pitcher, widely regarded as a top-of-the-rotation starter with the potential to quickly ascend to one of the best pitchers in the game.Major league scouts have been in awe of Sasaki since his high school days. Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow was among a group of executives who made the journey to Japan last season to witness his pitching prowess and express their interest. Sasaki has not yet publicly declared a favorite team and will base his decision on where he feels most at home and can best develop his talent.

The Dodgers' Strong Contention

The Dodgers, with World Baseball Classic teammates Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto on their roster, have long been considered the team to beat for Sasaki. Their star-studded lineup and winning history make them a tempting destination. However, Sasaki views Padres right-hander Yu Darvish as a mentor, and San Diego will also be a serious contender. The Cubs, Giants, and Mets have also shown intense interest in signing Sasaki, adding to the competition.

The Red Sox's Pitcher Recruitment Strategy

The Red Sox will try to persuade Sasaki with their young talent, a proven track record of success with Japanese pitchers, and the excellence of their pitching program. Sasaki also played with Red Sox outfielder and designated hitter Masataka Yoshida in the WBC. Yoshida, although having a challenging start to his two seasons with the Sox, could potentially play a role in Sasaki's decision. The Red Sox are confident that their offerings will make them a strong contender for Sasaki's signature.Peter Abraham can be reached at peter.abraham@globe.com. Follow him @PeteAbe.