Ex-MLB GM Matches Red Sox As Best Fit For Japanese Phenom

The Red Sox are in major need of an ace to be the face of the pitching staff and could find one at a low cost.

Boston was linked to multiple All-Star pitchers at the start of free agency and were a popular trade destination for Garrett Crochet. However, Roki Sasaki might be the most intriguing pitcher on the market.

The Chiba Lotte Marines will post the 23-year-old, but because of his age, he will be considered an international amateur free agent. That means teams must use their international bonus pool money to sign “the Monster of the Reiwa Era.” It also means there won’t be a bidding war for Sasaki, but former MLB general manager Jim Bowden still saw the Red Sox as a good fit for the right-hander.

“The Red Sox have a promising pitching program under Andrew Bailey and their leadership team of manager Alex Cora and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, along with minority owner Theo Epstein working behind the scenes, could provide a solid foundation for Sasaki,” Bowden wrote in The Athletic on Tuesday. “He could maximize endorsements in the large market of Boston and become the face of their pitching staff for years to come. Regardless of where he signs, he has the potential to become a full-fledged ace and Cy Young Award candidate.”

Bowden noted that Sasaki would have to wait three years for salary arbitration and six years for free agency, so endorsement opportunities with Japanese companies would be his best way to maximize his income.

Boston has a strong history of Japanese stars thriving with the club, so if the Red Sox are in on Sasaki, they’ll have a solid pitch for the young flamethrower.