Reese Kaplan -- Will the Mets Sign Anyone From Japan for 2027?

When it comes to free agents from across the Pacific the Mets have not exactly had consistent All Star level performances from any of the few they’ve sampled.  As a review, do you remember the names Norichika Aoki, Shintaro Fujinama, Ryota Igarashi, Kaz Matsui, Daisuke Matsusaka, Hideo Nomo, Kodai Senga, Tsuyoshi Shinjo, Hisanorki Takahashi and Masato Yoshii?  For a team that fans perceive as averse to signing Japanese ballplayers, the fact is that with the 15 who have had Mets contracts they have actually signed more pitchers and hitters from the NPB than any other team in baseball.  The difference is they haven’t gone all-in for the true top notch options when they were available. 

This year there are a number of players being posted from Japan that might indeed inspire the Mets to fork over some money and a contract.  Let’s take a look at the Pacific Rim quintet:

Recently posted by his Nippon Ham Fighters ballclub, diminutve Hiromi Itoh is looking to make the switch to the Major Leagues as he enters his age 29 season.  The numbers he has posted in Japan are solid but not eye popping.  Bear in mind that many people perceive statistics from NPB to be something akin to AAAA and expect a downfall of sorts in MLB.  Take a look, however. Itoh has a career winning record of 65-51 with an ERA of just 2.92.  His WHIP is a respectable 1.185 and his control has been superb.  He strikes out 8.1 batters per 9 innings pitched while walking just 2.1.  He looks to be a viable middle of the rotation starter option for interested bidders. 

Slugger Teruaki Sato is already well publicized here and throughout baseball off season coverage.  After winning the league’s MVP award in 2025 he followed it up in 2026 with a Triple Crown.  Yes, he strikes out too much.  That affliction is common to most power hitters.  Also, where he’d play is still a question with some experience in the outfield, at third base and a handful of game at first.  The Mets obviously need help at that latter position.  The questions are, of course, what will Sato cost and how long a contract will he demand?

The Seibu Lions posted the option for MLB free agency for portly little righthander Kaima Taira.  Turning 27 for the 2027 year, Taira has posted some mighty impressive numbers in Japan.  This past season he finished with a minuscule 1.36 ERA for the season, striking out about a batter per inning pitched while going 12-5 with a 0.959 WHIP.  That’s some ace caliber stuff.  For his career he has a winning record of 37-24 with a 1.78 ERA.  The concern is his physique which will alarm some baseball purists.  At just 5’8” tall he weighs nearly 220 pounds.  Think of a pint-sized Bartolo Colon.  The concern is that he will endure either injury or fatigue that will limit the number of innings he can pitch.

NPB and MLB veteran Shota Imanaga is available to the highest bidder.  Turning 34 in the upcoming season, the lefty has pitched effectively for the Cubs for three seasons.  His record over that span is 35-21 and he owns a career ERA of 3.45.  Last year he earned $22 million and chances are that will be the starting point for salary negotiations.  You’d have to weigh MLB experience against middle of the rotation performance to determine if the money he’ll command is justifiable.

Slugger Seiya Suzuki is also likely departing the Cubs after turning in a very solid offensive season.  He hit .270 with 26 HRs and 86 RBIs while earning $19 million.  At age 32 going into the 2027 season he’s a good but not great fit for the 5th or 6th spot in a contending team’s batting order. His arm has been solid as an outfielder but unless the Mets are planning to convert Juan Soto into a DH there doesn’t appear to be a good fit.