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5:59 AM UTC
Get ready for some amazing Japanese baseball history! Major League Baseball and its fans have been captivated by the incredible talent coming from Japan and making a huge impact across the globe. From legendary players like Shohei Ohtani to record-breaking achievements, the Japanese influence on the sport cannot be denied.
Speaking of Shohei Ohtani, did you know that he just became the highest-paid player in MLB history? It’s true!
Ohtani’s agreement with the Dodgers is a perfect match, as he joins a star-studded roster and a legacy of exceptional Japanese players who have shined with the franchise.
But the Dodgers aren’t the only team with deep connections to Japanese baseball. Check out these seven teams that have showcased incredible talent from Japan, ranked by combined fWAR:
🔹 Mariners (11 total players from Japan; 79.3 combined fWAR)
Key players: Ichiro Suzuki, Hisashi Iwakuma, Kazuhiro Sasaki
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the remarkable career of Ichiro Suzuki, who made history with his incredible skills and 3,089 career hits. And who could forget about Kazuhiro Sasaki’s impressive four seasons in Seattle’s bullpen?
🔹 Dodgers (10 players; 55.1 fWAR)
Key players: Hideo Nomo, Kenta Maeda, Hiroki Kuroda
When Shohei Ohtani finally takes the mound for the Dodgers, he’ll be following in the footsteps of legends like Hideo Nomo, the only pitcher to throw a no-hitter at Coors Field, and Kenta Maeda, who made a significant impact in his time with the team.
🔹 Yankees (7 players; 46.8 fWAR)
Key players: Masahiro Tanaka, Hideki Matsui, Hiroki Kuroda
Masahiro Tanaka and Hideki Matsui left an indelible mark during their time with the Yankees, contributing to the strong tradition of Japanese players in pinstripes.