Orioles Unexpectedly Viewed as Leading Destination for Sought-After International Star.
The Baltimore Orioles have a strong lineup of starting pitchers but may seek to add another arm from this winter’s free-agent market. They are anticipated to be in the race to re-sign ace Corbin Burnes this offseason, which could limit their flexibility to further enhance the rotation.
Luckily for the Orioles, a highly sought-after international pitcher might be available at a reasonable cost, and they are considered potential contenders to sign him.
‘When Roki Sasaki is posted, it’s likely that every team will reach out to his representatives,’ CBS Sports’ R.J. Anderson wrote on Monday. ‘His earning potential, however, will be significantly limited since he qualifies as an amateur free agent due to his age and limited service time.
**Roki Sasaki Nears Decision on MLB Move**
*MLB*
*Baltimore Orioles*
*Orioles Unexpectedly Considered Leading Candidate for Highly Sought-After International Talent*
Published Nov 11, 2024, at 4:20 PM EST
By Nate Hagerty, Contributing Sports Writer
The Baltimore Orioles, though already well-stocked with starting pitchers, may seek to add to their rotation from this winter’s free-agent pool. They are expected to pursue a re-signing of star pitcher Corbin Burnes, leaving them limited room to further strengthen their rotation.
However, they could potentially acquire a top international pitcher at a reasonable cost, and the Orioles are seen as serious contenders.
*MIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 20: Roki Sasaki of Team Japan pitches against Team Mexico during the World Baseball Classic Semifinals on March 20, 2023, at loanDepot Park in Miami.* (Eric Espada/Getty Images)
“Once Roki Sasaki becomes available, it’s expected that every team will reach out to his representatives,” CBS Sports’ R.J. Anderson noted on Monday. “His potential earnings will be quite limited due to his amateur free-agent status, given his age and limited service time.”
Sasaki has built an impressive career with the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league, achieving a 64-29 record, a 2.10 ERA, and a 505-to-88 strikeout-to-walk ratio over four seasons, with a 0.89 WHIP.
“MLB teams will only be able to offer what remains in their international amateur signing bonus pools,” Anderson added. “Only two teams, the Dodgers and Orioles, currently have over $2 million available in their 2024 pools, per the Associated Press.”
With the Orioles positioned financially to compete with the Dodgers, they may have a real chance of persuading Sasaki to choose Baltimore over Los Angeles.
