Nori Aoki, ranked 12, was recognized for his contact skills and speed during his time in the majors.

Takashi Saito, ranked 10, emerged as one of the top relievers in baseball during his early career with the Dodgers.

The rankings begin with Akinori Iwamura at 25, who had a notable rookie season and contributed to a World Series team.

Current Japanese stars include Shohei Ohtani and Yu Darvish, with rookies Shota Imanaga and Yoshinobu Yamamoto expected to make their mark in 2024.

Honorable mentions include players like Kosuke Fukudome, Hideki Irabu, and Yoshihisa Hirano, reflecting the depth of talent among Japanese players in MLB.

Kodai Senga, also active and ranked 21, showcased elite strikeout capabilities in his rookie season in 2023.

A recent article ranks the 25 greatest Japanese-born players in MLB history based solely on their MLB statistics, highlighting their significant contributions to the league.

At the top of the list is Shohei Ohtani, recognized for his unprecedented two-way prowess, winning three MVP awards and achieving a remarkable 50-home run season.

Ichiro Suzuki, ranked second, is celebrated for his historic career, amassing 3,089 hits and breaking numerous records, earning him a recent induction into the Hall of Fame.

Yu Darvish, ranked third, has consistently excelled as an ace with multiple All-Star selections throughout his career.

Hideo Nomo, ranked fourth, was the first Japanese player to gain significant fame in MLB, known for his unique pitching style.

Daisuke Matsuzaka, ranked 11, made a notable impact with the Red Sox, contributing to their World Series championship.