All articles tagged with #japanese baseball
The Houston Astros have agreed to a three-year, $54 million contract with Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai, a top free agent coming off a strong season in Japan, adding depth to their starting rotation amid some injury concerns among current starters.
The White Sox have agreed to a two-year, $34 million deal with Japanese star Munetaka Murakami, who is expected to play first base and could significantly boost their lineup. Murakami, known for his power-hitting, is transitioning from NPB to MLB amid some team hesitations about his contact rate but sees Chicago as a low-pressure environment to develop. This move is part of the White Sox's broader efforts to rebuild and become more competitive, with a focus on developing young talent and increasing payroll.
Munetaka Murakami, a Japanese corner infielder known for power hitting, is set to be posted for free agency, potentially fitting the Red Sox' needs at first base, amid uncertainties with their current options like Triston Casas and Nathaniel Lowe.
Japanese star third baseman Munetaka Murakami is set to be posted for MLB teams, including the Mets, who are interested in his power-hitting ability as they consider replacing Pete Alonso, with Murakami expected to command a high free agent price and join other Japanese stars heading to the U.S.
Japanese home run king Munetaka Murakami is entering the MLB posting system, sparking anticipation for a high-value free agency deal, with his record-breaking power and potential interest from major league teams making him a top international prospect.
Japanese third baseman Munetaka Murakami will be posted by the Yakult Swallows, allowing him to negotiate with MLB teams within 45 days, as he seeks to make the jump from NPB to MLB, with potential interest from teams like the Dodgers, Red Sox, Mets, and Yankees.
Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami will be posted by the Yakult Swallows this offseason, making him a key free agent to watch as he approaches MLB, where he could command a significant contract due to his power-hitting potential and professional status, with his market likely to be influenced by team needs and his adaptation to MLB pitching.
Ichiro Suzuki's induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame marks a historic milestone as the first Asian player to be honored, inspiring a new generation of Asian and Asian American baseball players by showcasing success and representation at the highest level.
Shigeo Nagashima, a legendary Japanese baseball player and manager known as Mr Giants, has died at age 89 from pneumonia. He was celebrated for his remarkable career with the Yomiuri Giants, winning nine consecutive titles and hitting 444 home runs, and was a beloved figure in Japan's sports history, inspiring many including current stars like Shohei Ohtani.
Shigeo Nagashima, a legendary Japanese baseball player and key figure in the Yomiuri Giants' dynasty, passed away at 89 due to pneumonia. Celebrated for his exceptional skills, work ethic, and charisma, he was a national icon who symbolized Japan's postwar rebuilding and economic rise, earning numerous awards and honors, including induction into Japan's Baseball Hall of Fame.
The Minnesota Twins are interested in signing Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki, a 23-year-old righthander known for his fastball and splitter, as he enters the MLB recruitment process. While the Los Angeles Dodgers are favorites to sign him, Sasaki's agent suggests a smaller, midmarket team might be a better fit. Sasaki, who helped Japan win the World Baseball Classic in 2023, is an international free agent eligible for a limited signing bonus. The Twins, with a significant international signing bonus pool, hope to meet with Sasaki soon.
Japanese baseball star Roki Sasaki has been officially posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines, allowing him to negotiate with MLB teams, with the Chicago Cubs among the first to express interest. Sasaki's signing is expected after January 15, 2025, when MLB's international bonus pools reset. The Cubs, who have successfully integrated Japanese players like Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga, are positioning themselves as a favorable destination for Sasaki. Meanwhile, trade rumors involving Suzuki and Kyle Tucker raise questions about the Cubs' strategy and its impact on Sasaki's decision.
The New York Yankees are interested in acquiring Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki, who has been posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines. Despite financial constraints due to Sasaki's international amateur status, Yankees GM Brian Cashman is keen on recruiting the 23-year-old, known for his impressive arm and desire to excel. The Yankees face competition from teams like the Dodgers and Padres, and have until January 23 to negotiate a deal. Cashman hinted at leveraging former Japanese Yankees players in their recruitment efforts.
Japanese pitching phenom Roki Sasaki is exploring his options for joining Major League Baseball, with the Seattle Mariners, aided by Japanese legend Ichiro Suzuki, keen on recruiting him. Sasaki, who has faced media challenges in Japan, is open to playing for a smaller market team, and his agent Joel Wolfe suggests this might be beneficial for his transition. While the Mariners are preparing a strong pitch, the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres are also considered top contenders for Sasaki, who is known for his intense and driven nature.
The Philadelphia Phillies have expressed strong interest in signing Roki Sasaki, a highly sought-after 23-year-old Japanese pitcher known for his 100-mph fastball. Sasaki, who has been posted to MLB, is expected to meet with teams in the U.S. before making a decision. Despite the Phillies' eagerness, they face stiff competition from other MLB teams and challenges due to their lack of history in signing Japanese players. Sasaki's decision will likely focus on personal preferences rather than financial offers, as he is classified as an international amateur.