Sep 29, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Nathaniel Lowe (30) hits a home run during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
After re-signing right-hander Shane Bieber, the Cleveland Guardians rotation has nothing but question marks. Taneer Bibee is one arm that’s reliable and aside from Joey Cantillo and eventually Doug Nikhazy, the depth isn’t too appealing, either. The need for pitching in general could compel the Guardians to consider trades or free-agent signings. MLB.com’s Mandy Bell reported that Chris Antonetti, the Guardians president of baseball operations, suggested that the team is prepared to “reinvest resources”, potentially making Roki Sasaki a viable target as they navigate the international market.
It seemed like it was all but certain that Sasaki, who was posted by his Nippon Professional Baseball team, would end up with either the Los Angeles Dodgers or San Diego Padres. However, after his agent, Joel Wolfe, spoke at the Winter Meetings, other teams could be in the mix. Wolfe went as far as suggesting that a smaller market team might be a better fit for his client. It would allow for a low-pressure environment and a smooth transition after dealing with intense media scrutiny in Japan.
Bell highlighted how Sasaki would be a valuable addition to the Guardians. Sasaki boasts a great track record with Chiba Lotte, posting a 2.02 ERA, 11.4 strikeouts per nine innings and a 2.0 walk rate per nine innings. His pitching arsenal features a fastball that can top out at 102 mph, a devastating splitter with a whiff rate of over 57%, and a reliable slider. Sasaki’s talent and abilities make him an ideal front-line starter for the Guardians.
