Mar. 14, 2026 at 11:00am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The 2023 World Baseball Classic showcased Japan’s deep pool of talent, with several players from that championship team going on to sign lucrative MLB contracts. While Japan’s 2026 WBC roster may not match the star power of the previous edition, a new wave of NPB standouts could soon make the jump to the majors, including pitchers Hiromi Itoh and Hiroya Miyagi, and sluggers Teruaki Sato and Shota Morishita.
Why it matters
The WBC has become a premier showcase for international talent, allowing MLB teams to scout and recruit the best players from around the world. Japan’s continued dominance in the tournament highlights the depth of its professional league and the growing influence of Japanese players in MLB, which has seen an influx of stars like Shohei Ohtani in recent years.
The details
Pitchers like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki, and Shota Imanaga have already made the jump from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league to MLB, while hitters such as Masataka Yoshida and Munetaka Murakami have also proven their skills on the global stage. This year’s WBC could feature the next wave of Japanese talent, with players like Hiromi Itoh, Teruaki Sato, Hiroya Miyagi, and Hiroto Takahashi drawing significant MLB interest.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic is currently underway in Tokyo.Several Japanese players who starred in the 2023 WBC have since signed lucrative MLB contracts.
The players
Hiromi Itoh
A 28-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Nippon Ham Fighters who is expected to be one of the top free agent targets for MLB teams next offseason.
Teruaki Sato
A 27-year-old third baseman and outfielder for the Hanshin Tigers who was the best hitter in Japan’s pitcher-friendly NPB league in 2025.
Hiroya Miyagi
A 24-year-old left-handed pitcher for the Orix Buffaloes who has become a premier pitcher in NPB despite his small stature.
Hiroto Takahashi
A 23-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Chunichi Dragons who may have the highest ceiling of any non-MLB Japanese pitcher.
Shota Morishita
A 25-year-old outfielder for the Hanshin Tigers who established himself as one of the elite hitters in the power-deprived NPB last season.
Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›
What’s next
Several of the Japanese players mentioned are expected to become MLB free agents in the coming years, with Hiromi Itoh and Teruaki Sato potentially making the jump as soon as next offseason.
The takeaway
The 2026 World Baseball Classic is showcasing the next wave of Japanese talent poised to make an impact in MLB, continuing the trend of top NPB stars transitioning to the majors and further strengthening the global reach of professional baseball.