Morning Briefing: Roki Sasaki Signs One-Year NPB Deal

Good morning, Mets fans!

On Friday, it was announced that Roki Sasaki, the 22-year-old Japanese superstar pitcher, agreed to a contract with his current Pacific League team, the Chiba Lotte Marines, for the 2024 season. There have been rumors in the past that Sasaki was interested in being posted for MLB teams as soon as possible, but his current team might be interested in holding on to him until 2026 at the latest. For now, though, Sasaki is only signed to a deal through 2024 which could allow him to be an MLB free agent at just 23-years-old if he does happen to be posted next offseason.

Latest Mets News

The Mets had four prospects listed in MLB Pipeline’s latest Top 100 prospect list. Jett Williams (no. 45) was the highest ranked Mets prospect, followed by Drew Gilbert (n0. 53), Luisangel Acuña (no. 66), and Ryan Clifford (no. 97). Three of the four prospects (Gilbert, Acuña, Clifford) were acquired just last season during the trade deadline.

Latest MLB News

The Brewers officially announced that they signed Rhys Hoskins to a two-year contract that includes an opt-out after 2024 and a mutual option for 2026.

The Braves announced that they traded minor league pitcher Tyler Owens to the Rangers in exchange for outfielder J.P. Martínez. Martínez made his big league debut in 2023 and recorded 44 total plate appearances.

The Cardinals announced that they signed reliever Josh James to a minor league contract. James last played in the big leagues for the Astros in 2021.

The Nationals shared new uniforms that the team will wear starting this upcoming year. The changes include a new pullover alternate uniform and a tweaked road uniform that now features block lettering instead of script.

Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports that the Rangers are in talks to bring back outfielder and former Met Travis Jankowski for a second year with the club. General manager Chris Young confirmed this later in the day by saying that Jankowski will be back on a one-year deal.

Per Robert Murray of FanSided, reliever Carl Edwards Jr. signed a minor-league contract with the Cubs. Edwards spent the 2023 season with the Nationals.