Multiple US media outlets are reporting Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred's view that Japanese pitcher Sasaki Roki is likely to sign with an MLB team on January 15 or later.

The 23-year-old currently plays for the Chiba Lotte Marines. His team has said it will allow Sasaki to move to the Major Leagues through the posting system.

As Sasaki is under 25, he will have to start with a minor league contract.

Major League teams are expected to compete fiercely to sign the highly touted pitcher. He throws fastballs at over 160 kilometers per hour and splitters that drop sharply.

Media outlets, including the Athletic, reported that Manfred suggested on Wednesday that Sasaki is unlikely to sign with an MLB team before January 15, when the league's international signing period begins.

It is unusual for an MLB Commissioner to give an opinion on the transfer of an individual player.

The extensive coverage of the comment by US media reflects the high level of interest in Sasaki.

MLB officials and players' agents will gather for the annual Winter Meetings in December. It now appears unlikely that a decision on acquiring Sasaki will be made at that time.