5 International Stars that will succeed at the MLB Level.

Tatsuya Imai pitching for the Saitama Seibu Lions.

This winter, as many as five elite stars from Japan and South Korea could enter the MLB market. Each offers intrigue, upside, and risk.

Munetaka Murakami (NPB)

At 25, Murakami profiles as a left-handed power bat with experience at third base and first base. In 2025, he played just 56 games due to an oblique injury but still slashed .273/.379/.663.

Murakami gained international attention after blasting 56 home runs during his historic 2022 season. His batted-ball metrics place him alongside elite MLB sluggers like Ohtani, Schwarber, and Corbin Carroll.

Strikeouts remain his biggest concern. Murakami posted a 63% contact rate, well below the MLB average of 75%.

https://youtu.be/Ua6B6Ouo0sw?si=dJWiUHuaizJtay3y

He whiffed on 50% of breaking balls, compared to a 33% MLB average. Higher MLB fastball velocity may further challenge his tendency to swing and miss.

Defensively, Murakami fits best at first base or designated hitter. He projects as a high-risk, high-reward offensive talent. Murakami could command $18 million annually on a five-to-six-year deal.

Potential suitors include the Dodgers, Mariners, Red Sox, Mets, and Diamondbacks.

Kazuma Okamoto (NPB)

Okamoto, 29, offers a polished offensive profile with defensive versatility across first base, third base, and the outfield. A freak elbow injury limited him to 69 games in 2025.

Despite the injury, he slashed .327/.416/.598 with 15 home runs.

Okamoto excels in plate discipline, matching an 11% strikeout rate with an 11% walk rate.

His 80% contact rate sits comfortably above the MLB average. While he lacks elite raw power, he consistently lifts hard contact.

Questions remain about his ability to handle premium MLB velocity. Defensive evaluations are mixed, but they generally view him as serviceable. Okamoto likely will earn a five-year, $75 million deal. Fits include the Diamondbacks, Marlins, Nationals, Padres, and Orioles.

Tatsuya Imai (NPB)

Imai, 27, dominated in 2025 with a 1.92 ERA across 163 innings. He paired a 29.7% strikeout rate with an excellent 7% walk rate. His low release height and unique arm angle create deception despite average fastball movement. Imai’s fastball averages 95 mph with flatter-than-average approach angles.

He throws strikes roughly 70% of the time and limits free passes. His slider grades as a true weapon, generating a 47% whiff rate. Command and deception drive his success more than raw pitch movement.

Imai could command a six-year deal worth $140–150 million.

Expected suitors include the Yankees, Cubs, Red Sox, Mets, and Padres. He has already ruled out joining the Dodgers.

https://youtu.be/2ceVXe5PEIM?si=DH-7P3jui8CxYr6c

Hiroto Saiki (NPB)

Saiki, 27, posted a 1.56 ERA and 1.07 WHIP over 162 innings in 2025. He relies on extension, spin, and vertical fastball shape rather than overpowering velocity.

Saiki’s fastball averages 93.5 mph with an elite vertical break and strong spin rates. His slider produces limited swing-and-miss and needs refinement.

The splitter shows promise with sharp vertical movement. Saiki throws strikes consistently and limits walks.

He profiles as a solid mid-rotation starter with upside. Saiki could earn $16 million annually on a four- to six-year deal. Potential fits include the Cardinals, Pirates, Angels, Athletics, and Rangers.

Baek Ho Kang (KBO)

Baek Ho Kang, 26, brings a polished contact profile from South Korea. He has maintained a .303 batting average, a .385 OBP, and a .876 OPS over the course of eight KBO seasons.

Baek thrives as a doubles hitter rather than a home run threat. He maintains a healthy strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Having played professionally since age 18, he brings extensive experience. Transitioning to MLB pitching remains his greatest challenge.

Baek profiles best for teams seeking low-cost upside at first base. Potential landing spots include the White Sox, Rockies, Cardinals, and Nationals.