CINCINNATI — The Reds played a small role in major news about Japanese ace Roki Sasaki signing with the Dodgers. Cincinnati traded international bonus pool space to Los Angeles in exchange for Minor League outfielder Arnaldo Lantigua.
According to sources, the Reds sent $1.5 million in the deal, which provided enough money for the Dodgers to secure a reported $6.5 million agreement with Sasaki.
More on Sasaki:
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- Full scouting report on Sasaki
- Could Sasaki be the next great Japanese player?
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- Does Sasaki complete the Dodgers’ offseason additions?
- Dodgers aren’t unstoppable … even with Sasaki
- Breaking down the Roki Sasaki deal from all angles
Lantigua, 19, has spent two seasons with the Dodgers’ Dominican Summer League team. In 49 games last season, he posted a .301/.430/.575 batting line, hitting 11 home runs and driving in 42 RBIs. While he has mainly played center field, he has also appeared in left and right field.
Sasaki announced on Instagram Friday that he has agreed to join the Dodgers, although the team has yet to confirm the deal. The right-hander, considered the top prize of the offseason, had until Thursday to sign with a Major League team after being posted by his Nippon Professional Baseball team, the Chiba Lotte Marines. As Sasaki is under 25, he qualifies as an amateur international free agent, meaning he will come with six years of team control and earn a rookie salary in 2025.
This marks the second time this offseason that the Reds and Dodgers have made a trade. On January 7, Cincinnati acquired infielder Gavin Lux for a Compensation Round A pick (No. 37 overall) and outfield prospect Mike Sirota.