NEW YORK (Kyodo) -- Star Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki is expected to be officially posted at Major League Baseball's winter meetings next week, U.S. media reported Saturday.

A 45-day window is expected to open Tuesday for the 23-year-old right-hander, ESPN said, quoting sources. The winter meetings begin Monday in Dallas.

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.

The international amateur signing period opens Jan. 15.

In early November, the Lotte Marines announced plans to place Sasaki in the posting system, the method of transfer between Nippon Professional Baseball and MLB teams.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres have been listed among suitors for the talented but injury-prone pitcher.

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.

Sasaki, who helped Japan win the 2023 World Baseball Classic, has a 29-15 career record with a 2.10 ERA over four seasons with the Marines. His fastball has been clocked as fast as 165 kilometers (102.5 miles) per hour.