The 2025 international signing period for MLB opens on Wednesday, allowing teams to acquire amateur talent from outside the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Roughly 30% of current MLB players were signed as international free agents, including top players like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Shohei Ohtani. Teams like the Dodgers and Yankees use international free agency to add high-end prospects. Bonus pools are determined by revenue and market size, with penalties for exceeding the cap. Star Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki will be eligible to sign on Jan. 15 and must choose a team within 45 days. Sasaki, a highly-touted pitcher, is considered the seventh-best free agent this offseason due to his impressive track record and potential impact in MLB. Despite injuries and his amateur status limiting his earnings, teams like the Dodgers, Padres, and Blue Jays are interested in signing him, with a minimal posting fee required. Additionally, other notable international prospects include Josuar De Jesus Gonzalez, Kevin DeFrank, Elian Peña, Cris Rodriguez, and Andrew Salas, each showcasing unique talents and signing with various MLB teams. the key points discussed in the text.
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MLB international free agency: Top non-Roki Sasaki players, bonus pools, more as Mets land $5M IFA prospect
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