A report came out saying that Roki Sasaki (21)안전놀이터, the ‘164 km monster’, could get up to a 10-year contract if he entered the major leagues.
On the 13th, Sasaki played against ‘Japan’s ace’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto in a match against the Orix Buffaloes held at Jojo Marine Stadium. The result was
Sasaki’s victory by decision. Sasaki threw 105 pitches in 7 innings and became the winning pitcher with 1 hit, 2 walks and no runs. It was a reverse fight with 11 strikeouts. Yamamoto also threw well with 5 hits and 1 run in 6 innings, but could not overcome Sasaki’s wall.
The match that day was a big match that drew attention even in the major leagues.
Scouts from a total of eight clubs, including the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers, sent hot eyes from behind the back net.
As he went through the WBC, which contributed to the world’s No. 1 ranking, the evaluation of Sasaki is getting higher.
A major league scout said, “What every team wanted to check at the WBC was the adaptability of the major league official ball. In addition, it was a change when handling the ball in the American ballpark. Sasaki said that both showed that there was no problem with that, and each club paid attention to the pitching of the semi-final against Mexico held at Londipo Park.”
Reporter Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times, who is also a ‘Japanese player’, such as covering Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels since his days at the Nippon Ham, said, “An American League GM said of Sasaki, ‘Straight is the best in the world. He’s saying, ‘Maybe he’s above Jake deGrom,’” he revealed.
Boston Globe reporter Peter Abraham said, assuming that Roki Sasaki, who will turn 22 in November, has reached the age of 25 without any breakdowns, who can sign a major contract under the current rules, “a 10-year contract may be offered. The annual salary was estimated to be between $25 million and $30 million.
Sasaki once again proved that he is a pitcher who can handle big games by winning the match of the century on the 13th. The gaze of the major leagues watching him is also getting hotter.
It remains to be seen if Sasaki will be able to achieve his dream of reaching the major leagues by setting the highest record in Japan.