Japanese slugger Rintaro Sasaki reportedly makes Marlins, NPB decision

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Japanese slugger Rintaro Sasaki reportedly makes Marlins, NPB decision originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

With the 235th pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, the Miami Marlins selected Japan's all-time high school home run leader.

That title belongs to first baseman Rintaro Sasaki, who played two seasons of college baseball at Stanford.

The Japanese slugger's improved offensive numbers (16 HR, .952 OPS) in his sophomore year helped him land with the Marlins.

But Sasaki's draft rights were also held by Nippon Professional Baseball's Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in Japan.

Sasaki had a decision to make. Sign with the Marlins or return to his home country to play with the Hawks.

Apparently, his mind is made up.

"Rintaro Sasaki has reportedly elected to sign with the Miami Marlins," Yakyu Cosmopolitan wrote on X.

The initial report came from SANSPO, a daily newspaper in Japan.

Sasaki's decision will probably cost him hundreds of thousands of dollars.

So now it's between the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks and the Miami Marlins for Rintaro Sasaki.

The expected slot value for Sasaki is around $240k

Meanwhile the Hawks can offer him around $880k, and probably give him a better development outlook.

— Gaijin Baseball/外国人野球 (@GaijinBaseball) [URL='https://x.com/GaijinBaseball/status/2076371097482891599?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw']July 12, 2026[/URL]

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If he manages to have a longer Major League career and sign large contracts, the left-handed hitter won't regret this decision.

Sasaki became a larger-than-life figure at Stanford. He skipped the NPB Draft to come to the United States and play college baseball.

The Marlins hope he brings similar power and flair to the organization.

More MLB news:​

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