Archive · 24 Jul 2026
Marlins sign Japanese slugger Rintaro Sasaki
Rintaro Sasaki is a Japanese baseball player who recently signed with the Miami Marlins.
He had a tough choice to make between playing in Japan, where he was drafted by the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, or coming to the US to play for the Marlins.
He chose the Marlins because he wants to reach the major leagues as soon as possible.
Sasaki played college baseball at Stanford and is known for being Japan's all-time high school home run leader.
He's still learning English and hopes his time at Stanford will help him adjust to his new team and city.
He's excited for the challenge and ready to do his best.
Rintaro Sasaki signed with the Miami Marlins, forgoing a career in Japan.
He was drafted by the Marlins in the 8th round of the amateur draft.
Sasaki's contract with the Marlins is worth $210,200.
He played two seasons at Stanford, hitting .262 with 16 homers and 47 RBIs as a sophomore.
Sasaki is Japan's all-time high school home run leader with 140 home runs.
- Who
- Rintaro Sasaki, a Japanese slugger
- What
- Signed with the Miami Marlins
- When
- Earlier this month
- Where
- Miami, Florida
- Why
- To accelerate his path to the major leagues
Playing in Japan
Playing in the US
Career Path
Playing in Japan
Sasaki could have pursued a professional career in Japan, where he was drafted by the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks.
Playing in the US
Sasaki chose to sign with the Miami Marlins to accelerate his path to the major leagues.
Development
Playing in Japan
Playing in Japan would have allowed Sasaki to develop within a familiar system and culture.
Playing in the US
Playing in the US offers Sasaki the opportunity to challenge himself in a different environment and potentially reach the major leagues faster.
- Player Name
- Rintaro Sasaki
- Team
- Miami Marlins
- Draft Round
- 8th round
- Contract Amount
- $210,200
- Previous Team
- Stanford University
- High School Home Runs
- 140
- Stanford Stats (2023)
- .262 AVG, 16 HR, 47 RBI