Orioles and Dodgers Strategize for Roki Sasaki Ahead of 2025 International Signing Period

The Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Dodgers both strategically left significant amounts unspent from their 2024 international signing bonus pools, with speculation swirling around the potential availability of Japanese pitching phenom Roki Sasaki. The Orioles left approximately $2.1 million unspent, while the Dodgers left around $1.9 million on the table.

Sasaki, 23, was not posted until December 8, meaning he will now enter the 2025 international amateur signing period. This period begins on January 15 and runs through December 15, giving teams a 45-day window to strike a deal with the highly sought-after pitcher. Teams will have ample time to make their best offers before the window closes on January 23.

The 2025 bonus pools range from $7,555,500 for eight teams to $5,146,200 for teams like the Dodgers and San Francisco Giants. Due to Sasaki's talent and potential, numerous teams are expected to bid for his services. As Andrew Friedman, Dodgers president of baseball operations, mentioned during last week's winter meetings, Sasaki is a "major priority" for them, but they understand the competition will be fierce.

The San Diego Padres are another team highly interested in Sasaki, with a bonus pool of $6,261,600 for 2025. Padres manager Mike Shildt expressed confidence in their position, pointing to San Diego’s vibrant market, strong fan support, and the chance for Sasaki to build a lasting legacy by securing the franchise's first World Series title.

Sasaki's agent, Joel Wolfe, has indicated that the pitcher will "seriously consider" joining San Diego, where fellow Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish plays, and Hideo Nomo serves as a special adviser.