MLB Players Former NPB Teams The Journey from Japan
Japan Baseball Teams (NPB)
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⚾ Shohei Ohtani ⚾ 2-Way Legend
Born: July 5, 1994 Ōshū, Iwate, Japan
Los Angeles Dodgers Los Angeles Angels
World Series Champion (2024) 50-50 (HR/SB) Founder 3x MVP (2021, 2023, 2024) 2018 AL Rookie of the Year 2x Home Run Leader (2023, 2024) 3× Silver Slugger Award (2021, 2023, 2024) 2× Hank Aaron Award (2023, 2024) NL RBI leader (2024)
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters
Japan Series Champion (2016) 2016 Pacific League MVP 5× All-Star (2013–2017) Pacific League ERA leader (2015)
Samurai Japan
World Baseball Classic (WBC) Champion (2023) World Baseball Classic MVP (2023)
Once-In-A-Generation-Athlete
Shohei Ohtani is a Japanese professional baseball player who has captivated the world with his extraordinary talent. He's a two-way player, excelling as both a pitcher and a hitter in Major League Baseball, a feat rarely seen in modern baseball. Ohtani's journey began in Japan, where he showcased his immense potential before making the leap to the United States. His unique blend of power, speed, and pitching prowess has redefined the boundaries of athleticism and cemented his place as one of the most exciting and impactful players in baseball history.
Born: November 3, 2001 Rikuzentakata, Iwate, Japan
Chiba Lotte Marines
13 Consecutive Strikeouts in a single game (World record) 19 Strikeouts in a single game (NPB record) Pitched a perfect game (2022) 2x NPB All-Star (2022, 2023)
Samurai Japan
World Baseball Classic (WBC) Champion (2023)
2011 Tohoku Earthquake & Tsunami
Roki Sasaki's life was tragically impacted by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. As a young child, he lost his father and grandparents in the disaster. His family's home was destroyed, and they were forced to relocate. This traumatic experience undoubtedly shaped Sasaki's character and fueled his determination to succeed in baseball, providing him with a powerful source of motivation and resilience.
Japan Series Champion (2022) 3× Pacific League MVP (2021–2023) 3× Eiji Sawamura Award (2021–2023)
Samurai Japan
World Baseball Classic (WBC) Champion (2023) Tokyo Olympic Gold (2020) WBSC Premier12 Champion (2019)
Yoshinobu Yamamoto has established himself as one of the most dominant pitchers in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and rapidly making a name for himself in the Major Leagues. He's won multiple Pacific League MVP awards and pitching Triple Crowns, showcasing his exceptional talent. His incredible performances have also translated to the international stage, where he's won multiple gold medals with the Japanese national team at the 2019 Premier12, 2020 Tokyo Olympics, 2023 WBC and the 2024 World Series. Yamamoto's consistent dominance, combined with his international success, has solidified his place among the top pitchers in the world.
San Diego Padres (2021–present) Chicago Cubs (2018–2020) Los Angeles Dodgers (2017) Texas Rangers (2012–2014, 2016–2017)
5× All-Star (2012–2014, 2017, 2021) 2020 All-MLB First Team 2020 NL wins leader 2013 AL strikeout leader
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters (2005–2011)
Japan Series Champion (2006) 2× Pacific League MVP (2007, 2009) 2007 Eiji Sawamura Award 3× Pacific League strikeout title (2007, 2010, 2011) 2× Pacific League ERA title (2009, 2010) 5× NPB All-Star (2007–2011)
Samurai Japan
2x World Baseball Classic Champion (2009, 2023) Asian Baseball Championship (2007)
Yu Darvish has established himself as one of the most dominant pitchers in Major League Baseball. A five-time All-Star, he has consistently showcased his exceptional pitching skills, including a devastating array of pitches and pinpoint control. Darvish holds the record for the most strikeouts by a Japanese-born pitcher in MLB history, and he was the first Japanese pitcher to reach 2,000 career strikeouts. His impact on the game extends beyond his on-field performance, as he has become a cultural icon and a role model for aspiring athletes in Japan and around the world.
5× Japan Series champion (2015, 2017–2020) 3× NPB All-Star (2013, 2017, 2019) Japanese Triple Crown (2020) 2× Pacific League strikeout leader (2019, 2020) Pacific League ERA leader (2020) Pacific League winning percentage leader (2017) Pacific League wins champion (2020) 2× Mitsui Golden Glove Award (2019, 2020) Pitched a no-hitter on September 6, 2019
Samurai Japan
Tokyo Olympic Gold (2020)
Kodai Senga is a highly talented Japanese professional baseball pitcher who has made significant contributions to both the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and Major League Baseball (MLB). He has been recognized as a top pitcher in both leagues, with accolades such as multiple NPB All-Star selections and an MLB All-Star appearance. Senga is known for his exceptional pitching skills, including a devastating forkball and a powerful fastball. He has consistently showcased his ability to strike out batters and dominate opponents. His transition to MLB has been impressive, and he has quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the major leagues.
Japan Series champion (2022) 4× NPB All-Star (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022) 2× Pacific League batting champion (2020, 2021)
Samurai Japan
World Baseball Classic (WBC) Champion (2023) Tokyo Olympic Gold (2020) WBSC Premier12 Champion (2019)
Masataka Yoshida is a Japanese professional baseball player who has made significant contributions to both Japanese and Major League Baseball. In Japan, he excelled as a consistent hitter for the Orix Buffaloes, winning multiple batting titles and leading his team to a Japan Series championship. After a successful career in NPB, Yoshida transitioned to MLB, joining the Boston Red Sox. In his rookie season, he quickly established himself as a talented hitter, earning recognition for his batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. Additionally, Yoshida's contributions to the Japanese national team, including his role in their 2023 World Baseball Classic victory, have further solidified his status as a global baseball star.
3× NPB All-Star (2013, 2017–2018) Pacific League ERA leader (2017) Pacific League wins leader (2017) Mitsui Golden Glove Award (2017)
Yusei Kikuchi has established himself as a prominent figure in both Japanese and Major League Baseball. He has consistently showcased his talent and potential, earning accolades and recognition throughout his career. In Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, Kikuchi was a standout pitcher for the Seibu Lions, earning multiple All-Star selections and leading the league in various pitching categories. His impressive performance led to a highly anticipated move to Major League Baseball, where he has continued to contribute to teams like the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays. Despite facing challenges and adapting to the rigors of MLB, Kikuchi has demonstrated his ability to deliver strong pitching performances and become a valuable asset to his teams.
Born: September 1, 1993 Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan
Chicago Cubs
All-Star (2024) All-MLB Second Team (2024) Pitched a combined no-hitter on September 4, 2024
Yokohama DeNA BayStars (2016–2023)
2× NPB All-Star (2019, 2023) Central League strikeout champion (2023) Pitched a no-hitter on June 7, 2022
Shota Imanaga has quickly made a name for himself in both Japanese and Major League Baseball. A two-time NPB All-Star, he led the Central League in strikeouts in 2023. His impressive pitching skills were showcased on the international stage, as he represented Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, even starting the championship game. Following his successful NPB career, Imanaga signed with the Chicago Cubs, where he has continued to impress with his dominant pitching performances.
5× NPB All-Star (2016–2019, 2021) 6× Best Nine Award (2016–2021) 5× Golden Glove Award (2016, 2017, 2019–2021) 2× CL batting champion (2019, 2021)
Seiya Suzuki, a rising star in Major League Baseball, has quickly made a name for himself with his exceptional talent and skill. Before joining the Chicago Cubs, he dominated the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league, winning multiple awards including batting titles and Golden Gloves. His impressive debut season in MLB solidified his status as one of the league's most promising young players. Suzuki's combination of power, speed, and defensive prowess has made him a fan favorite and a valuable asset to the Cubs.
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