MLB Free Agency Alert: Top Japanese Stars Set to Make Moves

UPDATE: The 2025-26 MLB offseason is heating up with top Japanese free agents making headlines as teams scramble to secure their talents. Tatsuya Imai, Munetaka Murakami, and Kazuma Okamoto are the standout names drawing significant interest from Major League Baseball teams. As the offseason progresses, these players are poised to reshape rosters across the league.

Tatsuya Imai, a 27-year-old right-handed pitcher, is generating buzz as a potential third starter. His impressive four-seam fastball, clocking in at 93-97 mph, combined with an above-average splitter, positions him as an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their rotation. Imai’s command has improved dramatically, dropping his walk rate from 5.1 BB/9 in 2022 to just 2.5 BB/9 in 2025. With no qualifying offer attached, Imai could command a contract upwards of $157 million over six years, attracting interest from franchises like the New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, and New York Yankees, all of whom are looking to make a splash in free agency.

Meanwhile, Munetaka Murakami, a 25-year-old infielder, possesses some of the most explosive left-handed power in the sport, having set an NPB record with 56 home runs in 2022. However, his recent performance has been inconsistent, with a spike in strikeouts affecting his numbers. Evaluators project a potential $94 million deal for Murakami, though teams are divided on his long-term value. The Yankees, Chicago Cubs, and San Francisco Giants are among teams reportedly exploring options to secure his power in their lineups.

Lastly, Kazuma Okamoto, 29, has led Japan’s NPB with 247 home runs since his debut in 2018. While he may not have the same raw power as Murakami, Okamoto offers a more consistent profile and is projected to cost around $43 million over three years. Teams like the Mets, Astros, and Phillies see him as a viable alternative for their first base and designated hitter needs as they eye cost-effective solutions.

As the offseason unfolds, these players are set to make significant impacts in MLB, with teams on high alert to finalize contracts. With the free agency window wide open, the race to sign these Japanese stars is intensifying, and fans can expect developments to come swiftly. Stay tuned for updates as negotiations heat up and teams finalize their rosters for the upcoming season.