We saw a handful of NPB players come over from the far East in Kodai Senga, Masataka Yoshida, as well as Shintaro Fujinami in the 2022 offseason. Just a year later, we have NPB pitchers in Yoshida Yamamoto, Shota Imanaga, Yuki Matsui, Naoyuki Uwasawa, as well as KBO stars in outfielder Jung Hoo Lee and pitcher Go Woo Suk. This is without a doubt one of the largest NPB/KBO free agent classes to be posted in MLB history, and just when teams are in search of controllable arms, both relievers and starters. As of writing, Jung Hoo Lee and the San Francisco Giant are already in agreement to a six-year $113MM+ deal, and Yuki Matsui and the Padres have an agreement of their own.
The headliner of the group is no doubted Yoshinobu Yamamoto, 25-year old star pitcher from Japan who signed with the Dodgers for a record-breaking 12-year/$325MM deal (for a pitcher), beating out Gerrit Cole’s 2019 record contract of 9-years/$324MM with the Yankees. While the Dodgers have now spent over $1 Billion dollars in Ohtani, Yamamoto, and a Glasnow extension, it is said they are looking for a bat to add to their lineup. While Yoshinobu was in New York just the week of signing with L.A., it seems as though he was simply using “Uncle Cohen” and Hal Steinbrenner to up his contract price. When the Mets pitched their deal above $300MM, the Yankees pivoted, saying that no pitcher should be paid more than Gerrit Cole’s $324MM deal. So in the end, the Dodgers got him for a dozen years, WITH opt-outs after seasons 2029 (age 30) and 2031 (age 32). This could allow for either an extension, if Yoshinobu does well, or going somewhere else on the Free Agent market. But at the very least, the Dodgers are on the hook for six seasons, and if you take just the AAV, posting fees, and signing bonus, a total of around $260MM. After 2024, the Dodgers may have the toughest trio in their rotation in: Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow.
Jung Hoo Lee will look to cement himself as one of the greater Korean talents in the MLB with San Francisco, playing the outfield fully healthy after an injury stunted 2023 season. He still hit well in his 80+ games played, and showed great defense in center field. The power boost will definitely help the last remaining Bay Area baseball team (after 2024), as they look to bolster their pitching as well. They may look into Shota Imanaga, or Naoyuki Uwasawa.
The Padres and Yuki Matsui are supposedly in agreement on a multi-year deal of 5-years/$28MM guaranteed, giving the 28-year old a shot at helping the team in the bullpen, and on their payroll. It has been well documented that the Padres are having trouble with the Luxury Tax, one of the reasons they shipped off outfielders Juan Soto and Trent Grisham to the Bronx. Matsui brings an elite level closer arm to the team, having 30+ Saves over in Japan an astounding SEVEN TIMES in the last ten seasons. The Padres however, have tucked away some insurance in the contract in the form of a $7MM buyout in the 2028 season if Matsui suffers any elbow injury during the span of the contract. Matsui also has player opt-outs after the 2026 & 27 seasons if he so chooses to leave San Diego.
As for pitchers Shota Imanaga, Naoyuki Uwasawa, and KBO pitcher Go Woo Suk, each has until the very beginning of January (3rd for Suk, and 11th for Imanaga and Uwasawa) to find a team. If any or none of these players find a team in the MLB to sign with, they will go back to the NPB or KBO and their respective teams there.
