The 2025 NPB offseason is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent years, with high-profile players drawing attention both through the MLB posting system and the domestic free agent (FA) market.
Below is a complete roundup of players who have already taken action—and those whose next moves could shake up the baseball world.
NPB Stars Currently Posted to MLB (2025 Offseason)
| Player | Age | Team | Status | Posting Deadline (JST) | Expected MLB Suitors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Munetaka Murakami | 25 | Yakult Swallows | Posted | Dec 23, 7:00 AM | Yankees, Mets, Red Sox |
| Kazuma Okamoto | 29 | Yomiuri Giants | Posted | Jan 5 | Red Sox, Blue Jays |
| Tatsuya Imai | 27 | Seibu Lions | Posted | Jan 3 | Giants, East Coast teams |
| Kona Takahashi | 28 | Seibu Lions | Posted | Jan 5 | TBD (multiple teams interested) |
Key Takeaways from the Posting Market
- Munetaka Murakami is the crown jewel of this offseason—young, proven, and viewed as a franchise-caliber bat by MLB front offices.
- Kazuma Okamoto’s power profile has drawn particular interest from American League teams seeking middle-of-the-order offense.
- Seibu’s pitching duo, Imai and Takahashi, are closely monitored by clubs with urgent rotation needs, making them strong candidates for late bidding surges.
Domestic NPB Free Agency: Still Wide Open
While the posting market is already active, the domestic FA market remains fluid, with many players yet to declare their intentions.
Two names drawing particular attention:
- Ryousuke Tatsumi (Rakuten Eagles)
- Masayuki Kuwahara (Yokohama DeNA BayStars)
Depending on team negotiations and roster strategies, both could see rapid movement once the new year begins.
Outlook: The Real Action Is Just Beginning
- Posting negotiations may go down to the wire, especially for top-tier talents.
- Domestic FA activity is expected to accelerate after New Year’s.
- Compared to previous years, starting pitchers and middle-of-the-order hitters are likely to dominate the market.
With offseason news evolving daily, stay tuned for the latest updates on NPB-to-MLB moves and domestic FA signings ⚾
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