Mexico manager pinpoints Japan's Roki Sasaki as standout player ahead of Samurai Japan challenge in WBC semis

Mexico will face Japan in the World Baseball Classic and Roki Sasaki has been singled out as the danger man by Benji Gil.

Team Japan has been sensational throughout this tournament. They are currently 5-0 and have scored 47 runs and allowed just 11. Japan has been strong on the offensive and defensive front.

Sasaki is slated to start versus Mexico tomorrow and Gil was full of praise for the young right-hander:

"I think he will be a star when he gets here (MLB). He’s one of the greatest pitchers in the world."

Sasaki has been lights out during the WBC. During his start versus the Czech Republic, he struck out eight batters over just 3.2 innings. He allowed just two hits over 66 total pitches.

"Mexico manager Benji Gil on Japanese starter Roki Sasaki: 'I think he will be a star when he gets here (MLB). He’s one of the greatest pitchers in the world.'"

Team Japan has cruised to the semifinals. Led by Shohei Ohtani, Japan's pitching has been exceptional. Alongside Sasaki, Yu Darvish, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto round out one of the strongest rotations in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

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Flamethrower Roki Sasaki is one of the top pitchers in Nippon Professional Baseball

Roki Sasaki of Japan poses after the World Baseball Classic Pool B game between the Czech Republic and Japan at Tokyo Dome

Sasaki is one of the most promising young pitchers in Nippon Professional Baseball. He has impressed during his two seasons with the Chiba Lotte Marines.

The 21-year-old has a 12-6 record and a 2.10 ERA in the NPB. During that stretch, he struck out 241 batters over 192.2 innings.

"Here's a supercut of Roki Sasaki's Crazy Stuff from today (8Ks over 3.2 IP). T102 MPH He's 21 years old." - Rob Friedman

Several MLB teams are keen on signing Sasaki and it will be interesting to see whether he chooses to leave Japan for the big leagues.

Team Mexico has been the surprise package of the tournament but they will face the monumental task of getting past Sasaki in the semifinals. Although he is young, Sasaki has already proven himself to be one of the game's elite pitchers.