The Major League Baseball offseason got more exciting with the recent posting of two notable Japanese baseball players, potentially giving the Houston Astros and other MLB teams some intriguing options. Shota Imanaga and Naoyuki Uwasawa, seasoned pitchers from Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), were made available to MLB teams, heralding new possibilities in player acquisitions.
Shota Imanaga, a left-handed pitcher for the Yokohama BayStars, has been a standout performer in the NPB. At 30 years old, he boasts a remarkable track record, with an earned run average (ERA) of less than three in two of the past five seasons. His impressive stats include a 2.79 ERA since 2019, complemented by a high strikeout rate of 26.2 percent and a low walk rate of 5.9 percent. The 2023 season was awe-inspiring for Imanaga, as he struck out nearly 30 percent of batters across 148 innings and maintained a 2.80 ERA. His control on the mound is further evidenced by a low walk rate of just 3.8 percent. His prowess was on full display in 2022 when he pitched a no-hitter, placing him high on the radar of MLB teams. As per MLB Trade Rumors, industry speculation suggests that Imanaga is in line for a lucrative five-year contract worth around $85 million.
Joining Imanaga in the posting is Naoyuki Uwasawa, a right-handed pitcher from the Nippon-Ham Fighters. As Uwasawa approaches his 30th birthday, he brings a different but equally valuable skill set. While his strikeout rate of 19.7 percent may not mirror Imanaga’s, his career achievements, including a solid walk rate of 7.5 percent and an ERA of 2.96 in 2023, speak to his consistency and reliability. Over his career, Uwasawa has pitched more than 1,000 innings, maintaining a career ERA of 3.19. These statistics make him an attractive prospect for MLB teams seeking a dependable right-handed pitcher.
Imanaga and Uwasawa are part of a more significant trend of Asian players entering the MLB through the posting system. Notably, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, an NPB superstar from the Orix Buffaloes, has already been posted and is securing a deal with an MLB team. Only 25 years old, Yamamoto is a highly sought-after player, expected to land a value exceeding $200 million. His impressive record includes a second no-hitter this year, a career record of 70-29, and a phenomenal 1.21 ERA in 2023. His strikeout numbers are equally impressive, with 169 in 164 innings.
Another player is outfielder Jung Hoo Lee from the Kiwoom Heroes in the Korean Professional Baseball (KPB). Lee, a consistent hitter in the KBO since he was 18, boasts a lifetime batting average of .340 and a fielding percentage of .992. His consistency at the plate and in the field makes him a highly anticipated addition to the MLB once he is posted in December.
The postings of these players offer MLB teams, including the Houston Astros, a unique opportunity to bolster their rosters with international talent. The next few weeks will be crucial as teams negotiate to secure these players before the deadlines. Adding players like Imanaga, Uwasawa, Yamamoto, and Lee not only brings new talent to the league but also enhances the global appeal of MLB, showcasing the league’s commitment to embracing the best players worldwide.