Sasaki was the top-rated high school player in Japan who would've been eligible for the 2024 Nippon Professional Baseball draft. Instead, he made the highly unorthodox decision to play collegiate ball in the United States and fast-track his journey to the majors.

In his sophomore season with Stanford, Sasaki slashed .262/.403/.549 with 54 hits, 16 homers, 47 RBIs, and a .952 OPS. His raw power is plus-plus.

Sasaki is a massive physical specimen with elite power potential. Already posting exit velos of 115+ mph.

Some questions about signability, but went in a $239K spot. #Marlins should be able to get this done. pic.twitter.com/ASTak5yQ3O

— Fish On First Prospects (@FOFProspects) July 12, 2026

With two more years of college eligibility remaining and an opportunity to sign with NPB's Fukuoka Softbank Hawks, Sasaki has some leverage in negotiations with the Marlins.