TL;DR - Scouting Report
Roki Sasaki’s signing delay could work to the Dodgers’ advantage, allowing them to trade for bonus pool space and refine their roster to boost their chances of landing the star pitcher.
Start the Rally: Tweet This Now!There may be some added intrigue to the Roki Sasaki sweepstakes, which might work in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ favor. Sasaki’s agent, Joel Wolfe, confirmed that the 23-year-old will hold off agreeing to sign until after the international signing period opens on January 15. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the NPB star could be delaying his decision to give his future team time to maximize its international bonus pool through trades, a strategic move aimed at securing the best possible offer in one of the more competitive free-agent sagas of the offseason.
The Dodgers, widely seen as the frontrunners to sign Sasaki, could gain significantly from this delay. By postponing his decision beyond the January 15 signing period start date, Sasaki’s future team will have up to eight additional days to trade for international bonus pool space.
With the Dodgers’ bonus pool of $5,146,200, this delay provides them with a much-needed opportunity to close the gap with teams holding the maximum allocation of $7,555,500, such as the Seattle Mariners. Through trades, the Dodgers could increase their pool by up to 60%, with each transaction adding $250,000 unless a team trades its remaining pool, making their offer more competitive for the coveted pitcher.
In addition to financial maneuvering, Sasaki’s delaying gives the Dodgers the dual benefit of boosting their bonus pool and refining their roster if he chooses to sign with them.
While the Dodgers face challenges due to their current bonus pool limitations, their track record of making bold moves in free agency and player development strengthens their case. Sasaki’s agent, Joel Wolfe, has suggested the decision will not rest solely on financial considerations, leaving room for factors like team culture, development opportunities, and long-term potential to sway the star pitcher’s choice.
MLB teams have until January 23 to finalize their strategies, putting immense pressure on them to adapt quickly. If the Dodgers successfully land Sasaki, it would mark another transformative moment for the franchise and reinforce their reputation as a powerhouse in acquiring elite international talent. His signing delay is not just a waiting game—it’s a bonus pool power play that could tilt the scales in favor of one of baseball’s biggest names.
