Roki Sasaki, a standout pitcher for the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan’s NPB, is set to be posted for MLB teams on December 15, making him an international free agent eligible for signing by any of the 30 MLB teams. Sasaki, who is under 25, will be subject to bonus pool restrictions, which adds a layer of complexity to his potential move but opens the door for teams with strong financial resources to make a serious bid for his services. Given his incredible talent, many MLB teams will likely vie for his signature, but some teams stand out in particular as strong candidates to make an aggressive push for him.
One such team is the Detroit Tigers, who are coming off a surprising and successful 2024 season. After a strong finish to the regular season, the Tigers found themselves just shy of making it to the ALCS, highlighting their potential as a team on the rise. With one of the youngest rosters in MLB, the Tigers’ competitive window has clearly opened, and they are now focused on sustaining success after making their first postseason appearance in a decade. This makes adding another high-level starting pitcher a priority, and Sasaki could be the perfect fit.
The Tigers’ playoff run in 2024 was particularly noteworthy because they did so without key starter Jack Flaherty, who had been traded to the Dodgers at the deadline. While the trade made sense at the time, the absence of Flaherty left the Tigers with a rotation that could have benefited from his presence in the postseason. Moving forward, the team will likely look to shore up their pitching staff, especially now that free-agent options like Blake Snell are off the table. Sasaki would provide an upgrade to their rotation and strengthen their playoff aspirations.
President of Baseball Operations Scott Harris has made it clear that the Tigers are willing to spend in free agency to build on the success of 2024. He stated that the team would pursue players who fit their organizational needs and clubhouse culture, whether it involves spending money or trading prospects. With plenty of payroll space available for 2025, the Tigers are well-positioned to make a significant investment in Sasaki, which would align with their long-term goals. Adding him would not only improve their pitching staff but also solidify their ability to contend in the future.
The Tigers’ pursuit of Sasaki is also driven by the increasing competitiveness of their division, the AL Central. With strong teams like the Cleveland Guardians, Kansas City Royals, and Minnesota Twins all in playoff contention, the Tigers must continue to strengthen their roster to remain competitive. If they secure Sasaki, Detroit could form one of the best pitching rotations in MLB, combining him with Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal and promising young talent like Jackson Jobe. This, alongside their up-and-coming offense, would give the Tigers a solid foundation to remain a playoff contender for years to come.
