The Major League Baseball free agency period has commenced, allowing teams to pursue potential roster enhancements, including talent from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and South Korea’s Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). The significance of international players has been underscored by teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, who utilized several former NPB and KBO athletes this past season, including two-way star Shohei Ohtani and pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Under the current posting agreement with MLB, NPB players have a 45-day window to sign with MLB teams, while KBO players have a 30-day window. If players do not secure a contract during this period, they return to their respective teams. Teams that successfully sign posted players pay a posting fee to the player’s former team. The fee structure varies based on the contract value:
| $25 million or less | 20% of contract value |
| $25 million to $50 million | $5 million plus 17.5% of contract value over $25 million |
| $50 million or more | $9.375 million plus 15% of contract value over $50 million |
For example, the Chicago White Sox paid a posting fee of $6.575 million to the Yakult Swallows for Munetaka Murakami, who signed a $34 million contract last offseason.
As teams prepare for the next season, five notable players from NPB and KBO have emerged as potential targets for the upcoming 2026-27 offseason:
1. Teruaki Sato, 3B
Sato was Japan’s Triple Crown winner in 2026, boasting a .306 batting average, 39 home runs, and a .609 slugging percentage. While he doesn’t possess quite the same power as Murakami, his aggressive hitting style and potential to transition to first base or corner outfield make him an intriguing prospect. The Hanshin Tigers posted Sato on November 1.
2. Taima Kaira, RHP
- Top 50 Free Agent Ranking: 19
- Possible Landing Spots: Dodgers, Giants, Padres
Short in stature at 5-foot-8, Kaira generates significant extension on the mound, delivering his fastball in the mid-90s range alongside a diverse array of pitches. After serving as a reliever in previous seasons, he transitioned to a starting role in 2026. Kaira was posted on November 1.
3. Hiroki Itoh, RHP
- Top 50 Free Agent Ranking: 26
- Possible Landing Spots: Angels, Giants, Padres
Despite experiencing a down year in 2026, Itoh remains a reliable pitcher, having previously won the Eiji Sawamura Award. He utilizes a seven-pitch mix but lacks a standout offering. The Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters posted him on November 1.
4. Si-Hwan Roh, 3B
Roh, who signed the richest deal in KBO history earlier this year, has a unique agreement that allows him to negotiate with MLB teams while planning to return to the Hanwha Eagles after his MLB stint. In 2026, he recorded a .283 average with 29 home runs. Roh was posted on November 1.
5. Kona Takahashi, RHP
- Top 50 Free Agent Ranking: Unranked
- Possible Landing Spots: Diamondbacks, Rays, White Sox
Takahashi, now a free agent after not signing last offseason, delivered a strong performance with a 2.64 ERA in 148 innings. Known for his ground ball tendencies, he mixes his fastball with quality secondary pitches. Teams can negotiate with Takahashi at their discretion, as he is no longer subject to posting.
As the signing deadlines approach, MLB teams will be closely monitoring the international talent available as they seek to bolster their rosters for the upcoming season.
