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Translated from Japanese by Google:
We would like to inform you that we have decided to begin the process of pitcher #佐々木朗希 transferring to a Major League Baseball (MLB) team via posting.
▼ Comment from General Manager Matsumoto: "Ever since he joined the team, we have heard from him that he dreamed of playing in America. After making a comprehensive judgment over the past five years, we have decided to respect his wish. We hope he will do his best as a representative of Japan. We are rooting for him."
▼ Manager Yoshii's comment: "It's a big blow for the team, of course. However, I've played in America myself, so I understand how he feels. I also understand his desire to take on the challenge now that he's young. To be honest, he still has a lot to learn, but I think he'll be able to hone himself and improve his level in America. When I saw him pitch for the first time in the bullpen at the Ishigakijima camp in 2020, it was the biggest shock I've seen since I first saw Hideo Nomo. I want him to prove that over there. Do your best."
▼ Sasaki's comment: "Since I joined the team, the team has been listening to my thoughts about my future challenge in the MLB, and I am very grateful to the team for officially allowing me to post now. There were many things that did not go well during my five years with the Marines, but I was always supported by my teammates, staff, front office, and fans, and was able to come this far by concentrating only on baseball. I will do my best to work my way up from my minor contract to become the best player in the world, so that I will have no regrets in my one and only baseball career and so that I can live up to the expectations of everyone who has supported me this time."
I was about to post speculation about this. I did not know it was that far down the road. I think Japanese baseball is still playing so this is highly unusual for them to make any sort of comments before their season is over.
So I’m not sure if you’re aware of how this works but his team will get a maximum of $6 million for him because of his age. And he will have to play for the major league minimum of $769,000. So this will be about bidding or money. This will be about where he wants to play.
All indications are that he would like to play for the Dodgers.
I woke up to this news. We are favored, hopefully he chooses us. Because he was posted early(under 25 yrs, or 5 NPB seasons) he will not cost $300m+ like Yamamoto. So we're counting on organizational success and him wanting to re-join his Team Japan teammates, Ohtani & Yamamoto.