Top 5 NPB Players Likely to Move to MLB in the Near Future
Japanese baseball has always been a goldmine for Major League Baseball (MLB) teams looking for top-tier talent. From Shohei Ohtani to Yu Darvish, many stars have made their way from Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) to MLB, achieving great success. As we look to the next wave of talent, here are five NPB players most likely to make the leap to MLB in the coming years.
Age: 24 2024 Stats: .244 AVG, 33 HR, 86 RBI, .851 OPS MLB Comparison: Yordan Alvarez / Rafael Devers Despite a dip in batting average, Murakami led the Central League in home runs and RBIs in 2024, underscoring his power-hitting capabilities. His consistent slugging makes him a prime candidate for MLB teams seeking a formidable middle-of-the-order presence.
Age: 28 2024 Stats: .280 AVG, 27 HR, 83 RBI, .501 SLG MLB Comparison: Anthony Rizzo / Matt Chapman Okamoto maintained his reputation as a reliable power hitter, securing the second spot in home runs and RBIs in the Central League for 2024. His defensive versatility and consistent performance enhance his appeal to MLB franchises.
Age: 30 2024 Stats: .310 AVG, 12 HR, 45 SB, .860 OPS MLB Comparison: Michael Brantley / Whit Merrifield Chikamoto continued to excel as a contact hitter with remarkable speed, leading the league in stolen bases. His defensive prowess and ability to get on base make him an attractive leadoff option for MLB teams.
Age: 29 2024 Stats: .300 AVG, 18 HR, 70 RBI, .840 OPS MLB Comparison: Jeff McNeil / Kolten Wong Yoshikawa's well-rounded offensive and defensive skills have been pivotal for the Giants. His versatility across the infield positions enhances his value for MLB teams seeking depth and reliability.
Age: 34 2024 Stats: 12-8 W-L, 3.10 ERA, 160 K, 1.15 WHIP MLB Comparison: Kenta Maeda / Chris Bassitt baseball.yahoo.co.jp Ogawa's veteran experience and consistent performance on the mound continue to make him a viable candidate for MLB teams seeking a dependable starter or long-relief option.
Conclusion
The 2024 NPB season has further highlighted the readiness of these players for MLB opportunities. Murakami and Okamoto's power-hitting, Chikamoto and Yoshikawa's versatility and speed, along with Ogawa's pitching consistency, position them well for successful transitions to the major leagues.
Which NPB player are you most excited to see in MLB? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
