It’s time for an replace on NPB gamers who could also be making their strategy to MLB within the close to future. Listed here are the seven gamers that we’re conserving monitor of at MLBTR. Be taught extra about their play kinds and background within the earlier article.
Let’s get began.
Gamers doubtless accessible within the 2023 offseason (most rumored or have publicly introduced need to play in MLB)
1. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Orix Buffaloes
The 2-time Pacific League MVP has had a “sluggish” begin to the season by his requirements. Yamamoto has been constant and his numbers are as strong as ever, with a 2.35 ERA, 27.6 Ok%, 6.4 BB%, 2.15 FIP in 38 ⅓ innings, however he’s but to have the signature efficiency of the season.
For reference, the Buffaloes ace’s greatest month final season was June, with a 0.56 ERA in 4 begins, most notably tossing his first profession no-hitter.
Yamamoto was scratched from his deliberate begin this previous weekend as a consequence of sickness however has not been restricted by harm to this point, regardless of issues.
2. Shota Imanaga, Yokohama DeNA Baystars
In 5 begins, Imanaga has a 3.48 ERA, 28.4 Ok%, and 1.6 BB% in 31 innings. The Baystars ace was off to a scorching begin to the season, tossing 8 innings of shutout ball in his season debut and following it up with a 7-inning shutout efficiency the place he struck out 12. He’s struggled within the following two begins, nonetheless, giving up 4 runs in 5 innings and 5 runs in 4 innings respectively, and permitting a complete of 4 homers.
In his most up-to-date begin this previous weekend, Imanaga had a strong efficiency towards the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, permitting three runs in seven innings. The three runs got here from two dwelling runs, nonetheless, so the lengthy ball continues to be a difficulty for the left-hander within the early going.
Imanaga formally earned his home free-agent rights on Could 19, however stays targeted on the season. “I by no means thought I’d be on this place to earn this [free agency], and I wish to give again to everybody who has been part of my journey,’ Imanaga stated.
3. Kona Takahashi, Saitama Seibu Lions
Takahashi has had a formidable begin to the 12 months. In his eight begins, the Lions ace has an NPB-best 1.47 ERA, holding hitters to a .182 common, putting out 22.9% of hitters and strolling 13.6%, in 55 innings. The largest consider his enchancment is elevated common fastball velocity, which has gone as much as 94 mph, in comparison with 91.56 mph final season. His splitter has been the right complement to his improved fastball, hitters are solely .068 towards it.
Past his elite numbers, Takahashi’s sturdy mentality and his satisfaction because the Lions’ ace have notably stood out. After his most up-to-date begin the place he tossed six innings of shutout ball, Takahashi stated, “I needed to be on the mound longer than the opposing pitcher. With a purpose to proceed enhancing, I’ll replicate on this begin in order that I can go even deeper into video games.”
He outdueled Yamamoto of their April 22 matchup, holding the Buffaloes to 2 runs and 5 hits in a whole recreation. He nearly outdueled Yamamoto once more on Could 6, exiting the sport after six innings of one-run ball, however the bullpen was unable to maintain the lead.
Takahashi has actually met the problem from GM Watanabe and Supervisor Kazuo Matsui to this point
4. Yuki Matsui, Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles
Turned the quickest pitcher in NPB to succeed in 200 profession saves earlier within the season. The Golden Eagles nearer has been dominant as ever and has not allowed an earned run in his 12 appearances. He has 6 saves on the season, and hitters are hitting simply .095 towards him. The lefty hasn’t gotten a lot work as different relievers thus far, because the Eagles have the second-worst file in NPB and sit in final place within the Pacific League.
Matsui formally earned his abroad Free Agent rights on April 27. “It’s nonetheless April, so there’s not a lot to consider,” Matsui stated in an announcement.
5. Naoyuki Uwasawa, Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters
After a nightmarish begin to the season, Uwasawa has settled down and is discovering his groove. In his final 4 begins, he’s accomplished not less than 7 innings and has a 2.35 ERA in 30 ⅔ innings. The Fighters right-hander has a 3.72 ERA on the season, putting out 17.9% of hitters and strolling 10.8% in 46 innings.
In his most up-to-date begin, the 29-year-old right-hander tossed his first shutout since 2018 towards the Saitama Seibu Lions, the place he fanned 9 and allowed simply 4 hits.
Youthful stars to control
1. Roki Sasaki, Chiba Lotte Marines
The “Monster of Reiwa” is off to a dominant begin, posting a 0.84 ERA, fanning 43.5% of hitters whereas strolling simply 4.3%. Hitters are solely hitting .124 towards him, and he has a FIP of 0.65.
He’s been sidelined since his Could 5 begin the place he exited within the fifth inning due to a blister on the center finger of his throwing hand. He was initially scheduled to pitch on Could 21 however was pushed again to Could 28, after the beginning rotation was reshuffled by a rain-out.
2. Munetaka Murakami, Tokyo Yakult Swallows
The younger Swallows slugger had a disastrous first month of the season. In 25 video games, he hit .157/.311/.265, 2 HR, 15.5 BB%, 37.9 Ok%, and 12 RBI in 103 plate appearances. Murakami-sama is starting to look extra like his Triple-Crown successful self in Could, hitting .278/.381/.556, 4 HR, 14.3 BB%, 23.8 Ok%, and 10 RBI in 63 plate appearances (as of Could 19).
One of many main components in Murakami’s early season droop is his battle to hit right-handed pitching. Murakami is hitting a measly .169 towards right-handed pitching, and putting out at a 37.7% price. The droop can also be affecting his already sub-par protection at third base the place he has 8 errors, probably the most out of all place gamers in NPB.
Honorable Mentions
The next gamers have both expressed their need to play within the huge leagues, been rumored by Japanese media, or have drawn curiosity from MLB scouts however have components (age, crew stance on posting system) stopping a possible transfer. I’ve additionally added prime performers who could also be of curiosity.
Kazuma Okamoto, Nook Infielder, Yomiuri Giants; Shosei Togo, right-handed beginning pitcher, Yomiuri Giants; Keiji Takahashi, left-handed beginning pitcher, Tokyo Yakult Swallows; Taisei Ohta, right-handed reliever, Yomiuri Giants; Hiroto Takahashi, right-handed beginning pitcher, Chunichi Dragons; Kaima Taira, right-handed beginning pitcher, Saitama Seibu Lions; Atsuki Yuasa, right-handed reliever, Hanshin Tigers; Shinnosuke Ogasawara, left-handed beginning pitcher, Chunichi Dragons; Shunpeita Yamashita (NEW!), Orix Buffaloes; Tatsuya Imai (NEW!), Seibu Lions; Takahisa Hayakawa (NEW!), Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles; Atsuki Taneichi (NEW!), Chiba Lotte Marines
