The Baltimore Orioles made a significant splash in the international free agent market, signing Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki to a lucrative $10.8 million contract deal. The highly touted right-hander, who has drawn comparisons to countryman and Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani, is expected to bolster the Orioles’ rotation and provide a major boost to their rebuilding efforts.

 

Sasaki, 21, has been one of the most dominant pitchers in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league, boasting a 100-mph fastball and a devastating splitter. In his three-year career with the Chiba Lotte Marines, Sasaki has compiled a 24-10 record with a 2.68 ERA and 384 strikeouts in 329 innings. His impressive performance earned him a spot on Japan’s national team for the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

 

The Orioles, who have been aggressively pursuing top international talent in recent years, were among several MLB teams vying for Sasaki’s services. However, Baltimore’s commitment to building a strong foundation through player development and its reputation for being a desirable destination for young players ultimately won out.

 

“We are thrilled to welcome Roki Sasaki to the Baltimore Orioles organization,” said Executive Vice President and General Manager Mike Elias. “Roki is an exceptional talent with a rare combination of size, velocity, and pitchability. We believe he has the potential to be a frontline starter in the major leagues and are excited to watch him grow and develop within our system.”

 

Sasaki’s signing is a significant coup for the Orioles, who are rebuilding their roster after a prolonged period of struggles. The team has shown promise in recent years, with a strong farm system and a nucleus of young players like catcher Adley Rutschman and outfielder Cedric Mullins.

 

The addition of Sasaki provides a major boost to the Orioles’ pitching staff, which has been a area of focus for the team in recent years. With Sasaki on board, Baltimore’s rotation is suddenly much deeper and more formidable, with a potential ace in the making.

 

As Sasaki prepares to embark on his MLB journey, Orioles fans are eagerly anticipating his arrival. With his impressive talent, work ethic, and dedication, Roki Sasaki is poised to become a fan favorite in Baltimore and a key contributor to the Orioles’ future success.