The stats: His arsenal also includes the slider and the splitter. During the exhibition games leading up to the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Sasaki shot off a 102.5 mph fastball. In his four years with the Japanese team he plays for, Sasaki has recorded 524 strikeouts, 91 walks in 414 ⅔ innings, and a 2.02 ERA.

Sasaki’s agent, Joel Wolfe, offered some updates on the process as the Japanese star moves toward a decision on where he will sign, with the World Series champs considered one of the favorites.