Players
Profiles of the Japanese players Japan's press follows most closely in MLB: background, career, 2026 stats, and the latest coverage.
Shohei Ohtani大谷翔平Los Angeles Dodgers, pitcher and designated hitterThe only player who pitches like an ace and hits like a slugger, in the same season.Yoshinobu Yamamoto山本由伸Los Angeles Dodgers, starting pitcherJapan's most decorated starter of his generation, and the 2025 World Series MVP.Roki Sasaki佐々木朗希Los Angeles Dodgers, starting pitcherA perfect game at 20, a 100 mph fastball, and a very public path to the majors.Seiya Suzuki鈴木誠也Chicago Cubs, right fielderHiroshima's cleanup hitter at 18 became the Cubs' everyday right fielder. Now the market decides what is next.Shota Imanaga今永昇太Chicago Cubs, starting pitcherA left-hander who threw a no-hitter in Japan and an All-Star season in his first year in Chicago.Munetaka Murakami村上宗隆Chicago White Sox, infielderThe youngest Triple Crown winner in Japanese history is now a Chicago slugger in his rookie season.Kazuma Okamoto岡本和真Toronto Blue Jays, infielderSix straight 30-homer seasons for the Giants, now hitting in Toronto.