The Los Angeles Dodgers have truly positioned themselves as a powerhouse in Japanese baseball, and their efforts over the years are paying off in a big way. By building strong connections and scouting talent in Japan, they've become a magnet for top-tier players like Roki Sasaki, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Shohei Ohtani. This trio of Japanese stars has turned the Dodgers into a prime destination for Japanese talent, making them a favorite for any future free agents from Japan.
Both Yamamoto and Ohtani were part of the 2026 Samurai Japan team, and their elevated profiles since joining the Dodgers likely have their teammates curious about life in Los Angeles. Let's dive into some of the Japanese players they might be eyeing to join the Dodgers' ranks.
Teruaki Sato
Sato is a standout slugger in Japan, fresh off a breakout 2025 season where he belted 40 home runs and drove in 102 runs with an impressive OPS of .924. His power-packed approach is reminiscent of Munetaka Murakami, who found his way to the White Sox.
While Sato's defense at third base might not steal headlines, his offensive prowess certainly does. As Max Muncy ages, Sato, at just 27, could be a perfect fit for the Dodgers.
His performance in the WBC, slashing .300/.417/.600 without a homer, showed his ability to remain effective and impactful.
Hiroto Takahashi
Takahashi is one of Japan's promising young arms, though he's a couple of years away from being posted by Chunichi. With a four-pitch arsenal, including a four-seam fastball, cutter, curveball, and splitter, he's got the tools to be a top starter.
His fastball clocks in at 94-95 mph, but with some work on its spin, he could become a formidable force. At 23, Takahashi has time to refine his skills.
His WBC performance, where he pitched 4.2 innings allowing just two hits and securing five strikeouts, showcased his potential on a big stage.
Hiromi Itoh
Itoh, who claimed Japan's equivalent of the Cy Young Award in 2025, brings a crafty approach with a seven-pitch mix. Despite being undersized at 5-foot-9, he boasts quality stuff and savvy similar to Yamamoto.
His 2.52 ERA and league-leading 195 strikeouts over 196.2 innings speak volumes. Although his fastball is only 92-94 mph, its effectiveness is undeniable.
Despite a tough outing in the WBC, allowing five runs over four innings, his command remains strong. An AL scout even labeled him a "high-end" free agent prospect for MLB.
Hiroya Miyagi
The Dodgers could benefit from a quality lefty like Miyagi in their rotation. At 5-foot-7 and 182 pounds, he might not be imposing, but his pitch mix and location are top-notch.
His fastball, though around 90 mph, induces a high percentage of ground balls, complemented by a well-mixed slider, splitter, and changeup. During the WBC, Miyagi shined, giving up no hits and striking out four over 3.1 innings.
Drawing comparisons to Framber Valdez, who recently signed with the Tigers, Miyagi could be a valuable addition to the Dodgers' pitching staff.
The Dodgers' strategic focus on Japanese talent continues to strengthen their roster, and with these potential recruits, they could further solidify their standing as a global baseball powerhouse.