Dodgers Might Snag Extra Draft Pick with Japanese Pitcher Roki Sasaki

The LA Dodgers, the reigning World Series champs, have added Japanese right-hander Roki Sasaki to their roster. This move isn't just about bolstering their pitching lineup; it might also net them an extra MLB draft pick. You see, since Sasaki doesn't qualify as a "foreign professional, " he's eligible for the Prospect Performance Incentive (PPI). To earn this, he must be a rookie with less than 60 days of MLB service and spend a full season on an MLB roster. Plus, he needs to be listed on at least two of three top 100 prospects lists (from Baseball America, MLB. com, or ESPN. com).

Meeting these standards shouldn't be a problem for Sasaki. He's a rookie and expected to spend his entire first season in the majors. Even if injured, time on the MLB injured list counts towards service time. The real question is whether he'll make it onto two of the top 100 prospects lists. Based on buzz, it's likely he will. If that happens and Sasaki wins the NL Rookie of the Year or finishes in the top three for the Cy Young Award, the Dodgers could earn a bonus draft pick at the end of the first round in an upcoming MLB draft. This has happened before; teams like the D-backs, Orioles, and Mariners have snagged these picks. Think about it, by signing Sasaki, the Dodgers aren't just enhancing their team, they're also boosting their chances in the draft.

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