Roki Aims for the Majors But When Will 28-Year-Old Kazuma Okamoto Cross the Ocean

Roki Sasaki (23) from the Chiba Lotte Marines is set to challenge Major League Baseball using the posting system.

On November 17, after participating in a fan appreciation day and expressing gratitude to the team and fans, he spoke about his determination: “I will turn all the passionate cheers and harsh encouragement I’ve received into strength and do my best in America.”

“Many people probably sensed that after this season, he would cross the ocean, especially with his contract renewal being the last among the 12 teams and his resignation from the Japan Professional Baseball Players Association.

When I asked players and former managers, many were puzzled by his departure from the players’ union. There were opinions like, ‘So he has no attachment to Japanese professional baseball’ and ‘Maybe he’s just tired of the whole thing’” (sports newspaper reporter).

Sasaki hasn’t acquired free-agent status, including for overseas, so in order to pitch in Major League Baseball, Lotte needs to approve his posting transfer.

Since Sasaki is still under 25 and in his 5th professional year, he is subject to the “25-year rule,” which significantly limits the contract money and salary. The transfer fee to Lotte would be minimal. Under normal circumstances, Lotte would likely never approve it.

“In the end, it seems the team relented. There are persistent rumors of a ‘secret agreement’ for him to pursue a Major League challenge when he was drafted. Given the team’s consideration for the future, he is an indispensable asset.

Sasaki has attracted American companies to his side, and business opportunities for them would expand if he moves overseas.

From the team’s perspective, it seems like they were gradually being pressured, much like the Winter and Summer sieges of Osaka” (same source).

Meanwhile, Kazuma Okamoto (28) of the Giants is watching Sasaki with envy.

Recently, Okamoto was listed among the players likely to move to Major League Baseball this offseason, alongside Tomoyuki Sugano (35).

“Okamoto is very determined to play in the Major Leagues. He actually started preparing for this by hiring an agent earlier this season.

He doesn’t have overseas free-agent status, so the team would need to approve his posting. However, the Giants consider posting a ‘forbidden practice,’ and their threshold for allowing it is much higher than other teams. Furthermore, with Sugano’s inevitable departure this offseason due to his overseas free-agent rights, it seems unlikely the team would let both a key pitcher and hitter leave. Because of these circumstances, I’ve heard that Okamoto is sulking” (same source).

In a way, the Giants made a legitimate decision for their team’s success.

“From Okamoto’s perspective, although he understands the team’s situation, he’s probably wondering, ‘Why is Sasaki allowed to go when his transfer fee to the team is almost nonexistent?’

Okamoto is expected to become eligible for overseas free agency after the 2026 season. If the team allows posting, there might be a chance for him next season” (same source).

Next offseason, Munetaka Murakami (24) from Yakult is expected to clear the “25-year rule” and likely move through the posting system.

“Okamoto is sure to be concerned about Murakami, given their overlapping positions. This offseason, the Giants are actively engaging in the free-agent market and have made a significant offer to Yusuke Oyama of Hanshin, which is speculated to be in preparation for Okamoto’s potential departure to Major League Baseball. However, Francis Romero, a journalist from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, who has broken many transfer stories, predicts that Okamoto’s move to the Major Leagues will likely have to wait until 2026” (same source).

Top athletes naturally desire to compete at a higher level, and their prime years as players are limited. The challenge for Okamoto will be how he maintains his motivation going forward.