With 2024 ace Corbin Burnes currently in the free agent pool and starters Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells expected to miss at least part of 2025, it’s clear that starting pitching is atop the Orioles’ offseason wish list. While a reunion with Burnes is still very much on the table, the four-time All-Star isn’t the only elite pitcher in this offseason’s free agent class. Vying with Burnes for the title of best available pitcher is Japan’s Roki Sasaki—which means the Orioles should be vying for Sasaki’s services.
The 6’3” right hander out of Rikuzentakata, Japan, just turned 23 earlier this month and is rivaling the buzz that surrounded Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto when those stars made the jump to MLB.