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The Chicago Cubs missed the postseason in 2024. They could look to shake things up and bring in new stars to make a deep run in 2025. They already have stars like Shōta Imanaga and Justin Steele, but could they add another talented pitcher?
While building the Cubs' "dream Opening Day rotation," FanSided's Zach Pressnell predicted the team would trade Jameson Taillon and sign Japanese phenom Rōki Sasaki to replace him.
"Acquiring Sasaki means Chicago would need to clear room by getting rid of either Jameson Taillon or Javier Asaad," wrote Pressnell. "While they're close in production, Asaad is younger and cheaper, so dealing Taillon away would cut some cap while acquiring more prospects."
Unlike other free agents, landing Sasaki will not be about the money. Sasaki is an amateur free agent because he has not turned 25 years old. Unlike other Nippon Professional Baseball players that get posted, teams will only be able to use funds from their international signing bonus pool allotment. For the 2025 window, the Cubs will have $6.2 million, which is the third-highest allotment pool.
Sasaki started 18 games for the Chiba Lotte Marines in 2024. He had 129 strikeouts and a 2.76 ERA. Teams will have the opportunity to sign a potential ace for significantly cheaper than if he were posted after turning 25. Just last season the Cubs brought Imanaga from the NPB to the big leagues, and he looked phenomenal.
"For Chicago, they have a little bit of ammunition to their negotiations with him," wrote Pressnell. "They can offer the ability to win now and in the future while also being able to pair Sasaki next to another Japanese star, Shota Imanaga, at the top of the teams rotation. Imanaga will be a huge piece to getting Sasaki to the Windy City this winter."
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