From Ohtani to Sasaki: Japan's Growing Influence on Major League Baseball
February 4, 2025
Japanese players have transformed Major League Baseball (MLB) over the past few decades, but their impact has reached unprecedented levels in recent years. With Shohei Ohtani redefining the sport as a two-way superstar, teams across the league have ramped up their scouting and investment in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) system.
Roki Sasaki, Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto are central to the new LA Dodgers dynasty
The 2024-25 MLB offseason saw a wave of high-profile Japanese signings, including Roki Sasaki and Yoshinobu Yamamoto joining Ohtani on the Los Angeles Dodgers. More teams are looking to Japan for elite talent, particularly pitchers known for their command and unique pitch arsenals. As Japan's influence on MLB grows, the bridge between NPB and the majors has never been stronger.
Shohei Ohtani's Impact on MLB
Shohei Ohtani has single-handedly changed how MLB views player versatility. His ability to dominate as both a pitcher and a hitter has shattered long-held beliefs about positional specialization. Since joining MLB in 2018, Ohtani has won two AL MVP awards (2021, 2023) and consistently posted elite numbers on both sides of the ball.
In 2023, he hit .304 with 44 home runs and 95 RBIs while also going 10-5, maintaining a 3.14 ERA and striking out 167 batters in 132 innings. His historic 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers signals how valuable he is not only as a player but as a global icon who is bringing more attention to Japanese baseball talent.
Last year he hit .310 with 54 home runs and 130 RBIs with 59 steals. Ohtani became the first player in Major League Baseball history to record at least 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in one season, and helped the Dodgers win the World Series.
Ohtani's success has encouraged more MLB teams to invest in Japanese talent. His dominance has made clubs more willing to offer record-breaking deals to NPB stars, as seen with Yoshinobu Yamamoto's $325 million contract with the Dodgers.
MLB scouts are paying closer attention to the training methods and skill development in Japan, leading to a surge in Japanese players making the jump to the majors.
Roki Sasaki Joins the Los Angeles Dodgers
Roki Sasaki, widely considered one of the best pitching prospects in the world, signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2024-25 offseason. At just 23 years old, Sasaki has already made history in NPB, throwing a 19-strikeout perfect game in 2022 and routinely hitting 100+ mph with his fastball. His devastating splitter and elite command have drawn comparisons to previous Japanese MLB greats like Hideo Nomo and Yu Darvish.
Sasaki's signing further strengthens the Dodgers' deep ties to Japanese baseball. With Ohtani and Yamamoto already on the roster, the team has built a core around elite Japanese talent, making them a dominant force in MLB. The Dodgers' investment in Sasaki highlights how MLB teams see Japan as a premier pipeline for top-tier pitching talent.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto's $325 million deal made the former Orix Buffaloes star the highest-paid pitcher in MLB history.
(Image courtesy of Orixbaseballclub, CC BY-SA 4.0
Yoshinobu Yamamoto's Blockbuster Dodgers Deal
The Dodgers continued their aggressive pursuit of Japanese stars by signing Yoshinobu Yamamoto to a 12-year, $325 million contract. Yamamoto, a three-time Eiji Sawamura Award winner (NPB's equivalent of the Cy Young), posted a 1.21 ERA with 169 strikeouts in 164 innings during his final NPB season. His combination of velocity, command, and a devastating splitter made him one of the most sought-after international free agents in MLB history.
In his rookie season with the Dodgers he went 7-2 with 3.00 ERA and 1.11 WHIP with 105 strikeouts across 90 innings in 18 starts.
Yamamoto's record-setting contract proves that MLB teams are willing to spend big on Japanese pitchers. His deal sets a new benchmark, ensuring that future top NPB arms — like Sasaki — will command similar investments. The impact of Yamamoto's signing extends beyond the Dodgers, as it shifts how MLB teams approach international free agency.
Shinnosuke Ogasawara Signs With the Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals signed left-handed pitcher Shinnosuke Ogasawara to a two-year, $3.5 million deal. While not as high-profile as Sasaki or Yamamoto, Ogasawara brings valuable experience from his time in NPB, where he displayed excellent command and a deceptive fastball-slider combination.
Ogasawara's signing further proves that MLB teams are targeting Japanese pitchers beyond just the biggest names. His deal reflects how teams are looking for cost-effective pitching depth from Japan, recognizing the success that many NPB hurlers have had in MLB.
Koyo Aoyagi Joins the Philadelphia Phillies
Koyo Aoyagi, a veteran NPB pitcher, signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies with an invitation to MLB camp. Aoyagi, known for his pinpoint control and ability to induce weak contact, has the potential to contribute at the major-league level if given an opportunity.
While Aoyagi's deal is smaller compared to other Japanese signings, it signals that even non-contending teams are looking to NPB for hidden gems. If he performs well in spring training, he could become a key depth piece for the Phillies.
NPB's Development System Produces MLB-Ready Talent
Japanese players have historically transitioned well into MLB due to the highly disciplined and fundamentals-focused training in NPB. The emphasis on precision pitching, advanced scouting, and rigorous practice routines helps NPB stars seamlessly adjust to the major leagues.
With the success of recent Japanese MLB players, teams are increasingly scouting NPB for future stars. The next wave of talent could include pitchers like Chihiro Sumida and relievers like Taisei Ota, who have already shown elite potential in Japan.
The Shift in MLB's International Scouting Focus
Traditionally, MLB has focused its talent pipeline on Latin America and homegrown stars from baseball-rich states like California, Florida, and North Carolina, where deep scouting networks have long identified future big leaguers. However, as the example above in recent years prove, there's been a significant shift as teams increasingly look to Japan's NPB league for elite talent.
As the game continues to globalize, fans in the U.S. — including those in North Carolina — can follow this international wave and take advantage of NC sports betting promo offers to engage with the rising impact of Japanese baseball in the majors.
The Future of Japanese Players in MLB
With players like Roki Sasaki, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Shinnosuke Ogasawara making their way to MLB, Japan's presence in the league will only continue to grow. The success of these players will influence future signings and encourage more young Japanese athletes to pursue careers in the majors.
Japan's influence on MLB is at an all-time high, and the connection between the two leagues is stronger than ever. As more teams recognize the immense talent in NPB, we can expect a steady stream of elite Japanese players making an impact on the game's biggest stage.
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