The Chicago Cubs began day one of the 2025 international signing period by announcing no moves. While handshake deals are typically in place before signing day, the hold up this year revolves around star Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki as he is among this year’s group of international free agents. With the Cubs not being listed as a finalist for Sasaki, what might the hold up be on the Cubs not announcing any international free agent signings?
Could a Chicago Cubs trade be in the works?
One reason why the Cubs have not announced any international free agent signings is because a trade could be in the works. Teams can trade international bonus pool money, and Mark Feinsand reported that a number of teams are reaching out trying to acquire more money. The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres were specifically mentioned, but other teams are involved as well.
One executive said: “There are a number of teams asking for international money some that you would guess and some that you would not. [LA & SD] are certainly reaching out but they aren’t alone, other teams are recognizing opportunities.”
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) January 16, 2025
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Why would the Cubs want more international bonus pool money?
While teams like the Dodgers and Padres are trying to increase their bonus pool in order to make a better offer to Roki Sasaki, the Cubs likely could be looking to acquire more cash in order to capitalize on the fallout from other teams losing previously committed international free agents. The Dodgers have already seen three of their international free agents sign elsewhere as Darell Morel switched to the Pittsburgh Pirates for $1.8 million, Teilon Serrano went to the Minnesota Twins for $1.0 million, and Oscar Patiño to the Chicago White Sox for $570,000.
Related: Chicago Cubs 2025 international signing class preview
It will be interesting to see what happens over the next few days as Roki Sasaki’s posting window closes on January 23. As of right now, the current international free agents that pre-committed to Chicago have not elected to pursue other opportunities. It’s possible that the Cubs may not make any official international signings until Sasaki’s deal becomes official, that way they can appropriately assign signing bonuses to those they expect to still sign as well as others that may become available.
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