Japan's HR King Joins Marlins
Marlins Draft Japanese Slugger Rintaro Sasaki, Japan's All-Time High School Home Run Leader
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The Miami Marlins drafted Rintaro Sasaki, a 21-year-old Japanese slugger from Stanford University, in the eighth round of the MLB amateur draft on Sunday, according to AP. Sasaki is Japan's all-time high school home run leader and spent two seasons at Stanford before being selected by Miami.
The pick gives the Marlins exclusive negotiating rights to Sasaki. If he does not sign with Miami, he could return to Japan to play professional baseball there, according to WTOP.
Japan's All-Time High School Home Run King Heads to Stanford
Sasaki built a legendary reputation in Japan before ever setting foot in the United States. He holds the all-time record for home runs by a Japanese high school player, according to Winnipeg Free Press. That record made him one of the most watched young hitters in the country.
He then chose to play college baseball at Stanford, one of the top programs in the country. Over two seasons with the Cardinal, he continued to show the power that made him famous in Japan, according to Daily Item.
Sasaki Trained Under Shohei Ohtani's Father in Japan
Before coming to the United States, Sasaki played under a coach with a very famous connection. He was coached by Shohei Ohtani's father in Japan, according to Newsday. Ohtani is widely considered the best baseball player in the world today.
That connection adds a unique layer to Sasaki's story. Growing up in the same baseball culture that produced Ohtani — and being coached by his father — suggests Sasaki has been steeped in high-level baseball from a young age, according to Yahoo Sports.
Marlins Hold Rights but a Return to Japan Remains Possible
By selecting Sasaki, Miami now holds the exclusive right to sign him. No other MLB team can negotiate with him. But Sasaki is not required to sign with the Marlins, according to WTOP.
If talks break down, Sasaki could head back to Japan and pursue a career in Nippon Professional Baseball. That league has produced stars like Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. It would be a real loss for Miami if Sasaki chose that path, according to SFGate.
Marlins Add International Talent to a Rebuilding Roster
Miami has been in a rebuilding phase in recent years. Drafting a player with Sasaki's international profile and power potential fits a strategy of finding high-upside talent, according to Gazette Extra.
Sasaki plays first base, a position where power hitting is a must. His record-breaking home run history in Japan and his production at Stanford suggest he has the bat to eventually compete at the professional level. The Marlins now face the key task of getting a deal done, according to Lancaster Online.
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