The 2025-26 offseason is showcasing an impressive group of Japanese free agents poised to make an impact in Major League Baseball (MLB). Notable players generating significant interest include right-handed pitcher Tatsuya Imai and infielders Munetaka Murakami and Kazuma Okamoto. Each player brings unique strengths and aspects worth exploring as teams evaluate potential signings for the upcoming season.
Top Japanese Free Agents of the Year
Tatsuya Imai, RHP
Tatsuya Imai, aged 27, is emerging as a potential third starter for MLB teams. He has shown improvement in controlling his pitches, with a significant drop in his walk rate from 5.1 BB/9 in 2022 to 2.5 in 2025. Standing at 5-foot-11, Imai possesses a fastball that clocks between 93-97 mph, occasionally reaching up to 99 mph.
In addition to his fastball, Imai’s splitter and slider are both above-average, making him a compelling option for teams in search of talented pitchers. His deceptive pitch style complicates hitters’ responses, further enhancing his value as a significant addition to a rotation. Given Imai’s young age and contract projection of $157 million over six years, he may attract interest from multiple teams, including the New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, and New York Yankees.
Munetaka Murakami, 3B
Munetaka Murakami, 25, is recognized for his extraordinary left-handed power, having broken the NPB single-season home run record with 56 homers in 2022. Despite this power, his recent performance has been inconsistent, resulting in a declining number of home runs. Evaluators note the need for him to improve his plate discipline—as his strikeout and contact rates are concerning.
Murakami is expected to transition to first base in MLB, though he mainly played third base in Japan. With an all-in cost projected around $94 million, his immense power potential makes Murakami an attractive option for teams like the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs, who may value his age and power capabilities highly.
Kazuma Okamoto, 3B
29-year-old Kazuma Okamoto has been a dominant force in Japan, leading the NPB in home runs since joining the league in 2018. He offers a steady power profile, though not the same raw potential as Murakami. Okamoto had a notable performance in recent seasons, with an impressive batting average and a decreasing strikeout rate.
His projected acquisition cost is around $43 million over three years. Teams such as the New York Mets, Houston Astros, and Philadelphia Phillies may explore Okamoto as a more cost-effective alternative for first base or designated hitter roles, providing solid offensive production without the hefty price tag associated with higher-profile players.
Conclusion
This offseason presents a unique opportunity for MLB teams to sign talented Japanese free agents. Imai, Murakami, and Okamoto each bring distinct strengths that could significantly enhance team rosters. As teams navigate the market, these players are certain to attract considerable interest.
