MLB Free Agency: Top Japanese Players Set to Make Waves NOW

UPDATE: The 2025-26 MLB offseason is heating up as several top Japanese players are hitting the free agent market, with teams scrambling to secure their talents for next season. Key players generating buzz include right-handed pitcher Tatsuya Imai, and infielders Munetaka Murakami and Kazuma Okamoto. Their potential signings could reshape lineups across the league.

Tatsuya Imai, 27, is projected to be a solid third starter with an expected ERA in the mid-3.00s. However, his transition from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) to Major League Baseball (MLB) comes with risks. Last season, Imai showcased an impressive four-seam fastball clocking between 93-97 mph, even hitting 99 at times. His splitter and uniquely moving slider have garnered high miss rates—making him an enticing option for teams looking to bolster their rotation. Imai’s expected contract could exceed $157 million for six years, making him one of the most sought-after pitchers this offseason.

Aiming for the high end of the market, teams like the New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, and New York Yankees are eyeing Imai, especially since he won’t come with a qualifying offer. With the market expanding, even lower-spending teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates and Miami Marlins are expected to be more active this winter.

Next up is Munetaka Murakami, who has made waves with his raw power, breaking the NPB single-season home run record with 56 homers in 2022. At just 25 years old, the left-handed hitter possesses some of the highest exit velocities in the game. However, his recent struggles with strikeouts have raised concerns, as his home run totals have dropped significantly since his record-breaking season. Teams are weighing his potential against the risks, with projections estimating his contract to be around $94 million over six years.

The New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs are rumored to be interested, with the Yankees historically valuing power hitters. The San Francisco Giants and Houston Astros may also enter the fray, as teams recognize Murakami’s potential for explosive contributions in the lineup.

Lastly, Kazuma Okamoto, 29, rounds out the trio of Japanese stars. With 247 home runs since entering the NPB in 2018, Okamoto has a proven track record for power. Despite a drop in home runs due to an elbow injury, he posted solid batting averages of .280 and .327 over the last two seasons, along with a declining strikeout rate. His expected acquisition cost is projected to be just under $43 million over three years, making him an appealing option for teams seeking a first baseman or designated hitter.

Potential suitors for Okamoto include the New York Mets, Houston Astros, and Philadelphia Phillies, among others, as they explore cost-effective alternatives to higher-priced free agents like Pete Alonso.

As the offseason progresses, the focus on these dynamic players is set to intensify. Teams are not only looking for immediate impacts but also players capable of making long-term contributions. Keep an eye on these developments as the bidding wars heat up in MLB free agency.

Stay tuned for more updates on the 2025-26 MLB offseason as teams finalize their rosters and strategies for the upcoming season.