Every year sees a new batch of Japanese Baseball imports coming to the MLB from the NPB. Some are successes, and some are misses. 2026 sees three new players coming to America: Tatsuya Imai, Kazuma Okamoto, and Munetaka Murakami.

Japanese Baseball Imports In History

What is different this time is that two of them are infield players. Never in the history of the MLB have two infield Japanese players come over in the same year. Murakami and Okamoto are the only two Japanese-born players to play the infield at the moment in Major League Baseball.

The big question, before signing them, was to figure out if they were going to be able to adjust and become star players. Historically, how many Japanese infielders became stars in America? One: Kazuo Matsui. Although he’s the only one, expectations were high for Okamoto and Murakami.

Even if the season is still young, it’s worth looking at what the three new Japanese stars are doing so far.

Tatsuya Imai

The position that has produced the most Japanese stars has been pitcher. Tatsuya Imai is still young, but he was lights out last year in the NPB. In 2024, his ERA was 2.34, with 10 wins and 187 strikeouts in 173.1 innings. Last season, his ERA was down to 1.92, with 10 wins and 178 Ks in 163.2 innings.

MLB teams were interested, but it took a while before someone plunged and offered Iami a contract. With only a three-year deal, it’s possible to say that the expectations are not extremely high. Teams were worried that the weak contact and strikeout numbers would not translate in America.

So far, it’s hard to say that Imai proved them wrong. With a 7.27 ERA in three games, he has been shaky. His second start looked good, with 5.2 innings, no earned runs, and nine strikeouts. Unfortunately, when he showed up for the third start, he had to exit the game with only one out, with arm fatigue. This is an injury that is hard to evaluate. Shane Bieber stopped pitching after one workout this spring with arm fatigue, and he is just starting to pitch off a mound and is not expected to pitch in a game before May.

Imai also said he had trouble adjusting to the “America lifestyle” on and off the field. So far, there is no timeline for his return. One thing is sure, though, his first season won’t be a success. Even if he comes back in May, it’s hard to imagine him making all the adjustments he needs to.

Kazuma Okamoto

Kazuma Okamoto signed a four year, $60 million deal with the Blue Jays this winter. Of the three imports, he was seen as the one who should adapt the most easily. His power was not expected to translate right away, but his contact ability was supposed to be a sure bet.

The bet was not so sure after all, because Okamoto is batting .213 in 16 games. His defensive play is also scrutinized, as he seems to have a hard time adjusting to the speed of the hit balls. Renowned for not striking out much, Kaz struck out 23 times in his first 61 AB. With two HR and 4 RBI, his production has been incredibly bad. A change in his stance has not helped, and he looks terrible at the plate so far. He is unable to lift the ball, and when he doesn’t stike out, he grounds out.

The Blue Jays keep believing that Okamoto is going to adjust sooner rather than later, but it’s unlikely that he will be a contributor to the team’s success in the first half. If he can adjust and start performing in the second half, it will be the most Toronto can expect. That being said, the way it goes right now, it’s more realistic to expect him to be ready to perform in 2027. Blue Jays are having it tough right now, but at some point, if they are still in the hunt for a playoff spot, they will need to use the best performers. If Okamoto is still not giving what is expected, the team will need to use someone else. Soon, Addison Barger will be back, and so will George Springer. Who will be the odd man out? Okamoto might end up in a platoon situation.

Munetaka Murakami

Of the three Japanese players who came to the MLB this year, Murakami was the one who got people talking the most. They were either seeing him as a sure power bat or as a total bust.

Murakami started strong, belting 4 homers in his first 8 games, with 7 RBIs. His AVG was even a good .250. Considering that he was not signed for his average but for his power, that was above expectations.

Since then, Murakami has hit one HR and produced only two runs. The league adjusted to him, and now it will be his turn to adjust. Can he do it? That’s the question. His last two games (against the Tampa Bay Rays) showed an improvement. He’s been getting walks in almost every game, so he sees the ball well. The HR should be back eventually, as he appears to adapt well. The fact that his team has no real expectations is also a big positive. There won’t be a lot of pressure compared to his two fellow countrymen.

It’s fair to think Murakami will be the best of the three in 2026. A 30 HR season is still possible, but a high average would be more than a surprise. Expect him to finish with a .200 to .220 AVG. If he does that, with 30 HR, the White Sox could say that they made the steal of the winter.

One thing is for sure: don’t expect a Shohei-like player from any of those three guys. They have enough potential, though, that fans should keep an eye on them over the coming months.