Rintaro Sasaki: From Softbank Draft to Arizona State Baseball
- The path of Rintaro Sasaki, a 20-year-old first baseman whose decision to delay a professional career in Japan captivated baseball observers, took another unexpected turn this week.
- Sasaki’s story is one of unprecedented choices in Japanese baseball.
- His father, Hiroshi Sasaki, a coach at Hanamaki Higashi High School, has a notable pedigree of his own, having previously coached both Shohei Ohtani and Yusei Kikuchi.
The path of Rintaro Sasaki, a 20-year-old first baseman whose decision to delay a professional career in Japan captivated baseball observers, took another unexpected turn this week. While already drafted by the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in the 2025 Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) draft, Sasaki was also selected by Arizona State University, according to a report from Kyodo.
Sasaki’s story is one of unprecedented choices in Japanese baseball. After setting the Japanese high school record with 140 home runs while attending Hanamaki Higashi High School, he surprised many by forgoing immediate entry into the NPB in 2023. Instead, he committed to Stanford University, aiming for a collegiate baseball experience and a potential route to Major League Baseball. This decision broke with tradition, as most top Japanese prospects enter the NPB system directly after high school.
His father, Hiroshi Sasaki, a coach at Hanamaki Higashi High School, has a notable pedigree of his own, having previously coached both Shohei Ohtani and Yusei Kikuchi. The influence of his father’s experience and guidance clearly played a role in Rintaro’s unconventional path.
Upon arriving at Stanford in 2024, Sasaki didn’t immediately join the Cardinal baseball team, opting to spend the year acclimating to life in the United States. He gained experience playing for the Trenton Thunder of the MLB Draft League in June 2024 and the Greeneville Flyboys of the Appalachian League in July, preparing for his collegiate debut.
In 2025, Sasaki finally debuted with the Stanford Cardinal, where he posted a .269 batting average with seven home runs and 41 runs batted in over 52 games. He was rated by Baseball America as the best freshman in collegiate baseball before the season, and continued to play collegiate summer baseball for the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod Baseball League after the collegiate season.
Despite his collegiate performance, the allure of playing professionally in Japan remained strong. The NPB draft saw both the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks and the Yokohama DeNA BayStars select Sasaki in the first round, with the Hawks ultimately winning the negotiating rights. This created a complex situation for the young player, forcing a decision between returning to his home country as a highly anticipated NPB star or pursuing his dream of playing in Major League Baseball.
The selection by Arizona State adds another layer to this already fascinating narrative. While the details of a potential arrangement with the university are currently unknown, it suggests Sasaki is exploring all available options. He is eligible for the Major League Baseball draft, and maintaining his collegiate eligibility could be a strategic move to increase his draft stock and negotiating leverage.
The situation is complicated by the “Tazawa Rule,” which penalizes Japanese players who bypass the NPB draft by making them ineligible to return to Japan for several years. Sasaki’s initial decision to attend Stanford was, in part, a desire to avoid this restriction and maintain control over his career trajectory. However, being drafted by the Hawks presents a new set of considerations.
The Hawks, coming off a Pacific League pennant, are clearly eager to add Sasaki’s power to their lineup. The team’s willingness to compete for his rights in the draft lottery demonstrates their high regard for his potential. However, Sasaki’s decision will likely hinge on his long-term goals and his assessment of the opportunities available to him in both leagues.
Sasaki’s case is particularly noteworthy because he is the most highly touted Japanese prospect ever to forgo playing in NPB directly after high school. His decision paved the way for other players, like Shotaro Morii, to consider a similar path to the United States. Now, he faces the challenge of navigating the complexities of a dual-track career, balancing the immediate appeal of professional baseball with the long-term potential of the MLB draft.
The 6-foot, 270-pound slugger has drawn comparisons to power hitters like Bryce Harper and Prince Fielder, highlighting the immense potential that has captivated scouts and fans alike. While his performances in the MLB Draft League and Cape Cod League weren’t overwhelmingly strong, his raw power and potential remain undeniable.
As Sasaki weighs his options, the baseball world will be watching closely. His decision will not only shape his own career but could also influence the future of Japanese players seeking to navigate the increasingly interconnected worlds of NPB and MLB. The coming months will be crucial as he determines whether to embrace the immediate stardom offered by the SoftBank Hawks or continue his pursuit of a Major League dream.