Three Japanese Stars Could Dominate MLB Free Agency Talks in 2027

Sato’s power and questions

Sato is more aggressive at the plate than Murakami, chasing more pitches and walking less. His 11.1% walk rate last season was a career high, while Murakami exceeded 14% in each of his final five NPB seasons.

Sato could also face a position change from third base to first base or a corner outfield spot. His power offers clear upside, but his swing-and-miss tendencies and defensive questions present risks; he will be 28 next season.

Taira’s unusual profile

Taira, a 5-foot-8 right-hander who turns 27 later this month, combines a small frame with notable mound extension. His four-seam fastball averaged 95.8 mph this year and can reach the high 90s.

He has eight pitches, including a slider and splitter that each produced strikeout rates above 40%. His overall strikeout rate was 24.8% in 2026, but he led qualified NPB starters with a 1.36 ERA and .184 batting average against over 146 innings.

Taira’s eventual destination and role remain open questions. He is expected to be one of the most intriguing pitchers to follow in 2027.

Itoh’s record and downturn

He won the Sawamura Award, the NPB equivalent of the Cy Young, in 2025. That year, he led the league with 196⅔ innings and 195 strikeouts, while posting a 2.52 ERA.

His 2026 results were less dominant: Itoh went 10-10 with a 3.18 ERA and 159 strikeouts in 172⅔ innings. His fastball averaged 92.4 mph, his strikeout rate fell to 21.8%, and opponents hit .266 against him; his .324 batting average on balls in play was a career high.