Roki Sasaki to be posted to MLB: Why Japanese ace won’t be getting the massive contract you’d expect

23-year-old right-hander Roki Sasaki from the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan is set to join the 2024-25 class of free agents in MLB through the posting system. Despite his youth and impressive stats, MLB rules will limit his initial contract due to his status as an “amateur” until age 25. This means Sasaki will likely sign a minor-league contract and wait until January 2025 to access the international bonus pool. Comparisons are drawn to Shohei Ohtani’s initial contract with the Angels in 2017, highlighting the structural challenges Sasaki faces in terms of compensation and service time. The Chiba Lotte Marines will receive a posting fee for making Sasaki available to MLB teams, with the amount depending on the value of his contract. Overall, while expectations are high for Sasaki’s MLB career, it will be a while before he receives appropriate compensation. the given text for me.

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