The Rise of Roki Sasaki: A 23-Year-Old Pitching Phenom Heads to MLB
Corbin Burns, Alex Bregman, and Other Top Free Agent Predictions
As the MLB offseason rolls on, the stove is starting to heat up with a flurry of free agent activity. While the biggest name, Juan Soto, seems destined for the Mets, there are several other high-profile free agents making headlines.
The Boston Red Sox are poised to make a big splash this offseason, and I predict they will land star pitcher Corbin Burns. The Red Sox fan base has grown increasingly restless, watching the team let go of core players like Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts in recent years. I believe the Red Sox will make a statement by signing Burns to a long-term deal, solidifying their rotation for years to come.
Alex Bregman Staying with the Astros
There was speculation that Alex Bregman might be leaving the Houston Astros, but I don't see that happening. Bregman just feels like an Astro for life, and the team has made it clear he is a priority. While the Yankees could make a push, I think Bregman ultimately wants to remain in Houston and be a part of their continued success.
As for Max Freed, I don't believe he will stay with the Atlanta Braves. The Braves have a history of locking up their young stars early, but once a player reaches free agency, they typically let them walk. We saw this with Freddie Freeman and Dansby Swanson. I predict Freed will sign with the Chicago Cubs, who are ready to spend and need an ace to pair with Justin Steele and Shohei Ohtani.
Pete Alonso Staying with the Mets
When it comes to Pete Alonso, I don't see him going anywhere. Alonso is the definition of a New York Met, and I believe Mets owner Steve Cohen will make sure to keep the slugging first baseman in Queens for the long haul. Cohen has shown a willingness to spend, but he does so strategically, and keeping Alonso should be a priority.
However, the biggest free agent story of the offseason may be the arrival of Roki Sasaki, the 23-year-old pitching phenom from Japan. Sasaki's decision to come to MLB at such a young age is a bit surprising, as he could have waited two more years and signed a much more lucrative deal. But Sasaki seems driven to prove himself as the best player in the world, and he's willing to take the less financially rewarding path to get there.
Sasaki burst onto the scene in Japan's high school baseball tournament, Koshien, five years ago, throwing 500 pitches over an eight-day span, including a 12-inning, 21-strikeout complete game. In 2022, he threw a perfect game and then followed it up with eight perfect innings in his next start. His numbers in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) are staggering, leading the league in several key categories compared to stars like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
My prediction is that Roki Sasaki will sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers have a strong Japanese presence with Shohei Ohtani and Yamamoto, and Sasaki's close relationship with Yu Darvish could be a factor. However, there is an argument that Sasaki may want to forge his own path and avoid the spotlight that comes with the Dodgers. Teams like the Padres, who have a connection with Darvish, could also be in the mix.
Regardless of where he ends up, Roki Sasaki is poised to be an immediate ace in MLB. At just 23 years old, he has the potential to be one of the best pitchers in the game for the next decade. His arrival is sure to be one of the biggest stories of the offseason.
Part 1/6:
The Rise of Roki Sasaki: A 23-Year-Old Pitching Phenom Heads to MLB
Corbin Burns, Alex Bregman, and Other Top Free Agent Predictions
As the MLB offseason rolls on, the stove is starting to heat up with a flurry of free agent activity. While the biggest name, Juan Soto, seems destined for the Mets, there are several other high-profile free agents making headlines.
Corbin Burns to the Red Sox
Part 2/6:
The Boston Red Sox are poised to make a big splash this offseason, and I predict they will land star pitcher Corbin Burns. The Red Sox fan base has grown increasingly restless, watching the team let go of core players like Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts in recent years. I believe the Red Sox will make a statement by signing Burns to a long-term deal, solidifying their rotation for years to come.
Alex Bregman Staying with the Astros
There was speculation that Alex Bregman might be leaving the Houston Astros, but I don't see that happening. Bregman just feels like an Astro for life, and the team has made it clear he is a priority. While the Yankees could make a push, I think Bregman ultimately wants to remain in Houston and be a part of their continued success.
Part 3/6:
Max Freed to the Cubs
As for Max Freed, I don't believe he will stay with the Atlanta Braves. The Braves have a history of locking up their young stars early, but once a player reaches free agency, they typically let them walk. We saw this with Freddie Freeman and Dansby Swanson. I predict Freed will sign with the Chicago Cubs, who are ready to spend and need an ace to pair with Justin Steele and Shohei Ohtani.
Pete Alonso Staying with the Mets
When it comes to Pete Alonso, I don't see him going anywhere. Alonso is the definition of a New York Met, and I believe Mets owner Steve Cohen will make sure to keep the slugging first baseman in Queens for the long haul. Cohen has shown a willingness to spend, but he does so strategically, and keeping Alonso should be a priority.
Part 4/6:
The Arrival of Roki Sasaki
However, the biggest free agent story of the offseason may be the arrival of Roki Sasaki, the 23-year-old pitching phenom from Japan. Sasaki's decision to come to MLB at such a young age is a bit surprising, as he could have waited two more years and signed a much more lucrative deal. But Sasaki seems driven to prove himself as the best player in the world, and he's willing to take the less financially rewarding path to get there.
Sasaki's Dominant NPB Career
Part 5/6:
Sasaki burst onto the scene in Japan's high school baseball tournament, Koshien, five years ago, throwing 500 pitches over an eight-day span, including a 12-inning, 21-strikeout complete game. In 2022, he threw a perfect game and then followed it up with eight perfect innings in his next start. His numbers in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) are staggering, leading the league in several key categories compared to stars like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Predicting Sasaki's Destination
Part 6/6:
My prediction is that Roki Sasaki will sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers have a strong Japanese presence with Shohei Ohtani and Yamamoto, and Sasaki's close relationship with Yu Darvish could be a factor. However, there is an argument that Sasaki may want to forge his own path and avoid the spotlight that comes with the Dodgers. Teams like the Padres, who have a connection with Darvish, could also be in the mix.
Regardless of where he ends up, Roki Sasaki is poised to be an immediate ace in MLB. At just 23 years old, he has the potential to be one of the best pitchers in the game for the next decade. His arrival is sure to be one of the biggest stories of the offseason.