This season, the Dodgers welcomed two new Japanese players. Two-time MVP Shohei Ohtani, who previously played for the Los Angeles Angels and was erroneously rumored to be signing with the Toronto Blue Jays, signed a record-breaking free-agent deal in December. That was followed a few weeks later by Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who joined the Dodgers directly from Japan’s ORIX Buffaloes,
Baseball has traditionally been the most popular sport in Japan, as our memory is still fresh of their glorious WBC victory in 2023, and we have seen many Japanese players, including Hideki Matsui and Ichiro Suzuki, playing some of the critical roles in the MLB in the past couple of decades.
In Japan’s baseball world, there is a well-established career path where players are drafted to the NPB after playing high school baseball; MLB is perceived as a step in their career that is only made possible after playing for specific years in the NPB. Japanese fans and media are interested in which players leave Japan for MLB or how they play in their new home. This also helps the popularity of baseball bookmakers and MLB betting amongst Japanese punters.
As MLB ushers in the 2024 season, a fresh wave of talent from Japan is poised to make its mark, joining the ranks of established stars like Shohei Ohtani. This year, the spotlight shines on several Japanese players who have crossed the Pacific, ready to showcase their skills on baseball’s grandest stage.
Japan’s Latest Exports and Future Stars
Shota Imanaga: A New Cub on the Block
Leading the pack is Shota Imanaga, a formidable pitcher whose journey from the Yokohama DeNA BayStars to the Chicago Cubs has been one of anticipation and promise. Imanaga, a cornerstone of his team since 2016, was pivotal in leading Samurai Blue to glory at the WBC 2023. His transition to the MLB was cemented on January 11, 2024, when the Cubs announced his signing. Imanaga’s four-year contract, valued at $53 million, not only places him among the highest-paid Japanese players in MLB history but also signifies the Cubs’ faith in his exceptional talent. Donning the number 18, Imanaga is expected to be a key figure in the Cubs’ rotation.
Naoyuki Uesawa: Rays’ Pitching Prodigy
Naoyuki Uesawa’s path to MLB takes him from Nippon Ham Fighters, a team renowned for producing talents like Shohei Ohtani and Yu Darvish, to the Tampa Bay Rays. Unlike Imanaga, Uesawa has chosen a more unorthodox route, signing a minor league contract with the Rays. This decision speaks volumes about Uesawa’s character and ambition. Drawn by the Rays’ acclaimed pitching development program and their storied history, Uesawa is poised to climb the ranks and make his mark in the majors.
### Future Horizons: Japan’s Next MLB Stars
Looking beyond 2024, several Japanese players are on the cusp of making their MLB dreams a reality.
Hikaru Takahashi: Seibu Lions’ Pride
With a fastball that consistently breaches the 150 km/h mark, Hikaru Takahashi has his sights set on MLB. Despite facing setbacks with the Seibu Lions’ decision not to post him, Takahashi’s resolve remains unshaken. His impressive arsenal, including a devastating vertical breaking ball, positions him as a prime candidate to join MLB soon.
Kima Taira: A Vision for the Majors
Kima Taira, another talent from the Seibu Lions, has openly expressed his desire to venture into the MLB. Known for his dynamic pitch mix, Taira has set a timeline for his move post-2026. His ambition and skill set hint at a promising future in the major leagues.
Akinori Sasaki: The Next Big Thing
Akinori Sasaki of the Chiba Lotte Marines has caught the eye of MLB scouts thanks to his extraordinary pitching velocity and arsenal. Averaging 159 km/h with his fastball and complementing it with a slider and forkball that defy expectations, Sasaki’s raw talent and potential draw comparisons to Shohei Ohtani. Many will be closely watching his development in the coming years.
Eyes on the Horizon
The international baseball community is also monitoring talents like Shoyuki Togo (Giants), Hiroto Takahashi (Chunichi), and Hiromi Ito (Nippon Ham), who have shown their prowess in the WBC. While they have not officially announced moves to MLB, their performances have undoubtedly put them on the radar of major league scouts.
As MLB continues to be a melting pot of global talent, the influx of players from Japan enriches the league’s diversity and competitiveness. With veterans like Ohtani setting a high bar, the new generation is eager to leave their mark, promising an exciting future for baseball fans worldwide.
