CHIBA, Japan (Kyodo) -- The Lotte Marines said Saturday they have decided to post Roki Sasaki, the hardest-throwing pitcher in Japan, for a move to Major League Baseball this offseason.

Many clubs are expected to join the sweepstakes for the talented but injury-prone 23-year-old right-hander, who threw a perfect game in April 2022 against the Orix Buffaloes.

Sasaki thanked the team in a comment on the Marines' website.

"The club has listened to my thoughts regarding a future challenge in MLB, and I am very grateful for being permitted to use the posting system," Sasaki said.

"A lot of things have not gone right for me in my five years with the Marines. I only have one baseball career, and I don't want to regret anything afterward."

Sasaki posted a career-high 10 wins against five losses with a 2.35 ERA in 18 games this year, striking out 129 batters in 111 innings.

Lotte's first-round pick in the 2019 draft has a 29-15 career record with a 2.10 ERA over four seasons with the Marines.

Sasaki did not pitch for the top team in his first year as a pro and has never spent an entire season in the rotation as he has been dealing with physical issues.

Marines manager Masato Yoshii, who pitched in MLB, admitted it would be his loss and potentially Sasaki's gain.

"It is very painful for the team, of course," Yoshii said. "I understand his feelings well, and I understand the desire to tackle this challenge. There are many areas he has yet to master, but he can polish those in America."

"The first time I saw him pitch in a bullpen, it was the biggest shock I'd had since I first saw Hideo Nomo pitch."

Sasaki pitched on at least six days of rest this year. MLB starters usually have four to five days off between trips to the mound.

In March 2023, Sasaki helped Japan win the World Baseball Classic. His fastball has been clocked as high as 165 kilometers (102.5 miles) per hour.

Since Sasaki is under 25, he is defined as an international amateur by MLB and its union. As such, he will be limited to a minor league contract.

"I want to rise above my minor league contract to become the best baseball player in the world and repay the expectations of everyone who is now behind me," Sasaki said.