Players moving between MLB, NPB, and KBO — returns and new signings

International Career Moves

2026 Cross-League Baseball Movements: A Year of Strategic Transfers, Returns, and Regional Growth

The year 2026 continues to redefine the landscape of global professional baseball, solidifying its reputation as a transformative era characterized by dynamic player movements across leagues, strategic signings, and international collaborations. Veteran MLB players are increasingly returning to esteemed Asian circuits such as Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), while top regional talents pursue opportunities in Major League Baseball (MLB), fueling a vibrant, interconnected baseball ecosystem. These developments are not only reshaping team rosters but also elevating the profile of regional leagues and fostering unprecedented international cooperation.

Continued Cross-League Movement: Veterans Reinvesting in Asia & Rising Talents Eyeing MLB

A defining feature of 2026 is the fluid exchange of talent driven by player ambitions, league incentives, and global opportunities. Several notable moves exemplify this trend:

Kenta Maeda reaffirmed his commitment to NPB by signing a four-year deal with the Rakuten Eagles. After successful stints with MLB clubs such as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Minnesota Twins, Maeda’s choice aims to revitalize his pitching career in Japan. His experience also positions him as a mentor for younger Japanese pitchers, potentially serving as a bridge for future MLB returns—highlighting how seasoned players leverage Asian leagues for influence and visibility.
Miguel Sanó, whose recent MLB outings were hampered by injuries and inconsistency, joined the Chunichi Dragons. His power resurgence in the Dominican Winter League has rekindled hopes of a comeback either in MLB or via lucrative international contracts. Sanó’s increased international exposure and recent form improvements are viewed as strategic moves to expand his global profile.
Arihara Hideo, a highly regarded foreign pitcher in Japan, re-signed with the Nippon-Ham Fighters on a 4-year, ¥3 billion (~$27 million USD) contract. His retention underscores NPB’s strategy to maintain experienced foreign arms—stabilizing rotations, mentoring younger talent, and sustaining the league’s regional and international competitiveness.

Growing Regional Talent Development & Cross-League Collaborations

Leagues across Japan and Korea are ramping up efforts to strengthen rosters through regional exchanges and talent pipelines, fostering a more interconnected ecosystem:

The Seibu Lions added Ishii Kazuki, a promising Japanese prospect, aligning with NPB’s focus on blending homegrown talent with international exchange programs.
In Korea, the KBO expanded regional reach with the signing of Hsu Jo-hsi, a talented Taiwanese pitcher, to a three-year contract with the SoftBank Hawks. This move emphasizes regional cooperation and aims to foster talent pipelines across East Asia. Additionally, Dale, a Dominican infielder, joined the KIA Tigers, while Toda Natsuki, a Japanese pitcher standing just 170cm, signed with the NC Dinos to bolster their pitching staff. Despite these strategic moves, veterans like Jang Si-hwan of the LG Twins remain unsigned, reflecting ongoing roster and financial management challenges.

MLB-Connected Players Making Moves in Asia

The appeal of Asian leagues persists for former MLB players:

Cam Devanney, previously with the Pittsburgh Pirates, signed with the Hanshin Tigers. His transition highlights NPB’s growing attractiveness as a destination for players seeking new challenges and meaningful roles, further internationalizing Japan’s league. Devanney’s move underscores the increasing mobility and appeal of Asian baseball circuits.

Top Asian Talents Navigating Opportunities in MLB & Future Outlook

A key storyline in 2026 is Sugano Tomoyuki’s decision to forgo returning to Japan for the season and negotiate with multiple MLB teams. According to CHOSUNBIZ, Sugano’s potential move to MLB could:

Transform Japanese pitching markets, encouraging other top Japanese pitchers to pursue North American contracts.
Trigger a wave of Japanese stars seeking MLB opportunities, further internationalizing the sport.

The possible MLB debut of Sugano would redraw regional baseball dynamics and set a powerful precedent. Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani remains a global headline. Viral clips such as “【速報】もうすぐ起こります！いよいよ1月22日に大谷翔平選手が帰国します！” ("Shohei Ohtani to Return to Japan on January 22nd!") have garnered over 254,000 views and 91 likes, reflecting widespread fan anticipation. While Ohtani’s next move remains uncertain, insiders suggest a return to Japan or a new MLB signing, both with significant implications for international player movement.

Recent media coverage underscores regional talent strength, with videos like “【富邦真的不一樣了！運科.團隊氣氛很有料｜WBC名單公布！錢公：投手實力真的很不錯】” ("Fubon Guardians’ roster is truly different! The team atmosphere is great｜WBC roster announced!") highlighting the quality of regional talent, especially veteran pitchers 古林睿煬 and 徐若熙, who are expected to play pivotal roles in upcoming international tournaments.

Adding to the momentum, Japanese stars such as Murakami Haruki and Okamoto Kazuma are increasingly viewed as potential MLB targets. Rumors suggest that Murakami’s performances in the upcoming WBC could accelerate negotiations with MLB clubs, reinforcing the ongoing Japan-to-MLB pipeline that continues to grow stronger.

Rising Korean Players & Notable Contenders

In South Korea, Ahn Hyun-min has emerged as a standout, surpassing established stars and becoming a key figure in Korea’s WBC plans. MLB.com highlights Ahn’s impressive stats, including a .334 batting average, 22 home runs, and a commanding physical presence, positioning him as a future star capable of making an MLB debut soon. His rise fuels speculation about the next wave of Korean talent crossing over to North America.

Additionally, South Korea replaced O’Brien with Kim Taek-yeon from the Doosan Bears for the upcoming WBC, responding to injury concerns and roster needs. This strategic substitution underscores Korea’s commitment to field a strong, adaptable team—one that leverages emerging talent like Kim to remain competitive internationally.

The KBO’s Rising Profile: Reforms, Signings, and Fan Engagement

The KBO continues its ascent through reforms and high-profile signings:

Fan awareness has surged to 94.6%, driven by targeted marketing campaigns, expanded media coverage, and regional outreach efforts.
73.5% of respondents now perceive the league as rising in prominence, reflecting successful branding and international engagement.

League Reforms & Incentives

In response, the KBO has introduced several reforms:

WBC Incentives: An additional bonus for players participating in the World Baseball Classic aims to motivate top Korean talent to participate, elevating the tournament’s prestige.
Salary increases: The minimum salary has risen to 24 million won (~$20,000 USD), aiming to improve player welfare and attract emerging and veteran talent. These reforms reinforce Korea’s position as a regional powerhouse capable of drawing international stars and nurturing homegrown talent.

Disciplinary and Roster Management Challenges

Recent incidents highlight ongoing challenges:

The Lotte Giants faced scrutiny after players were ordered to return following an illegal venue visit, with four players caught on CCTV at an illegal gambling venue in Taiwan. This prompted the league to review conduct policies and strengthen regulations to uphold integrity and professionalism.

WBC Preparation & Regional Showcases

Media coverage continues to amplify regional excitement:

Viral clips such as “【速報】もうすぐ起こります！大谷翔平選手が帰国します！” ("Shohei Ohtani to Return to Japan on January 22nd!") fuel speculation about his return.
Podcasts like “【WBC名單出炉! 台美混血首入選『最強投手陣容曝』】” highlight regional talent pipelines and strategic rosters, further fostering regional pride and international recognition.

Recent Player & Tournament Developments

KBO Preseason & International Highlights

Preseason momentum remains strong:

Go Young-pyo delivered an impressive start in spring training, striking out four batters in his first outing and demonstrating excellent command.
Park Hae-min emphasized team cohesion and preparation during interviews, with analysts praising the positive clubhouse atmosphere.

Veterans like Choi Hyung-woo, returning after a brief hiatus, exemplify the league’s focus on experienced leadership guiding younger players during international tournaments such as the WBC. These developments underscore KBO’s preseason momentum and readiness for the season.

WBC & International Showcases

Preparations for the 2026 WBC are in full swing, with training camps in Okinawa and other sites refining rosters. South Korea’s team, led by Ahn Hyun-min, is engaging in intensive training, including strength conditioning with 3kg medicine balls. These efforts emphasize the league’s commitment to international success and player development.

Recent Notable Events & Media Highlights

20260226春訓練習賽培證英雄 vs.台鋼雄鷹賽事直播: A live broadcast of a spring training match between 培證英雄 and 台鋼雄鷹, showcasing regional team preparations for the upcoming season with 78,234 views.
【삼성 vs 대표팀】 2.26(목) 야구 하이라이트: Highlights from a domestic exhibition game, emphasizing Korean national team evaluations ahead of international tournaments.
이정후 현장영상: Clips of Lee Jung-hoo, one of Korea’s top players, showing multi-hit performances and leadership during spring training, reinforcing his role in the national team.
Lions pitcher Manning leaves camp for testing on ailing elbow: Recent reports from Yonhap News highlight injury concerns affecting roster decisions, adding tension to preseason preparations.
WBSC World Baseball Classic one-week-to-go preview: Media outlets and social media buzz with coverage of the upcoming tournament, including player interviews and regional team analyses.

Current Status & Broader Implications

As 2026 advances, it’s evident that cross-league talent mobility—through veteran returns, top talents pursuing MLB opportunities, and regional collaborations—is catalyzing a more vibrant, competitive, and interconnected global baseball scene. The WBC remains a pivotal platform, driving international scouting and player movement, while media coverage, fan engagement, and league reforms bolster regional leagues’ profiles.

KBO’s reforms, rising fan engagement, and strategic signings—exemplified by figures like Roh Si-hwan—position Korea’s league as a regional hub capable of attracting international stars and cultivating world-class talent. Meanwhile, international tournaments and showcases are vital for building regional pride and expanding baseball’s global footprint.

In sum, 2026 is a landmark year—one where strategic player movements, league reforms, and international competitions are shaping a more interconnected and dynamic baseball universe, promising an exciting future for players, fans, and leagues worldwide.

Sources (33)