Shohei Ohtani and Four Other Japanese Players Return to MLB to Start the 2025 Season

As the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) season kicks off, the spotlight turns to several international stars, none more prominent than Shohei Ohtani. The two-way phenom continues to dominate the baseball world with his unprecedented combination of pitching and hitting. However, Ohtani is not the only Japanese player making waves in the MLB. Four other Japanese stars are also preparing to make their mark on the season. Together, these players represent a blend of tradition, innovation, and immense talent that continues to shape MLB’s global appeal.

Shohei Ohtani: The Face of Japanese Baseball

Shohei Ohtani’s return to MLB is perhaps the most eagerly anticipated event of the 2025 season. After spending several seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani is widely regarded as one of the most unique and talented players in the game’s history. His ability to both pitch and hit at an elite level is a rarity in modern baseball, earning him comparisons to legends such as Babe Ruth.

In 2024, Ohtani once again displayed his unparalleled skills. He finished the season with a remarkable 3.21 ERA as a pitcher and belted 45 home runs as a hitter, further cementing his status as a generational talent. The two-way superstar’s return in 2025 is highly anticipated, not just for his individual brilliance but also because his future in MLB is uncertain. With the 2025 season potentially being his last under his current contract with the Angels, Ohtani’s performance could influence a massive bidding war for his services, potentially setting a new financial precedent in professional sports.

Off the field, Ohtani continues to bridge the gap between cultures, becoming one of the most recognizable athletes in the world. His humble demeanor and dedication to the game have earned him respect not only from fans and players but also from media outlets and baseball executives across the globe.

As Ohtani steps onto the field this season, the expectations are high. Will he continue his two-way dominance? Can he lead the Angels to the playoffs? These questions loom large as he prepares for another season of transcendent baseball.

Yu Darvish: The Veteran Mastermind

Yu Darvish, one of the most seasoned Japanese pitchers in MLB, is also back for the 2025 season. The San Diego Padres pitcher has been a mainstay in MLB for over a decade, known for his devastating array of pitches and deceptive delivery. Darvish’s return to form in 2024 was a testament to his experience and ability to adapt in a rapidly changing game. At the age of 37, Darvish remains one of the most effective pitchers in the league, posting a 3.58 ERA and surpassing 200 strikeouts for the eighth time in his career.

In 2025, Darvish is expected to continue to anchor the Padres’ rotation as they look to contend for the postseason in the National League. While Darvish’s years of dominance on the mound are starting to wind down, his vast baseball IQ and mastery over his pitches make him an invaluable asset to the team. Moreover, his leadership in the clubhouse is a crucial part of the Padres’ identity as a team looking to build championship-level success.

Darvish’s presence is also significant for the growing influence of Japanese baseball players in MLB. His success story, starting from his days with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters to his transition to MLB, has inspired countless young players in Japan to dream of making it to the big leagues. As a respected veteran, Darvish continues to be a bridge between the new generation of Japanese talent and those who laid the foundation in previous years.

Seiya Suzuki: The Rising Star

Seiya Suzuki, the outfielder for the Chicago Cubs, has shown flashes of brilliance since joining the MLB in 2022. After a solid rookie season, Suzuki’s 2024 campaign proved that he is ready to take his game to the next level. The 29-year-old hit .288 with 30 home runs and 90 RBIs, quickly becoming one of the most feared hitters in the Cubs’ lineup. His defensive skills in the outfield are equally impressive, as his arm strength and ability to track fly balls have made him a key contributor on both sides of the ball.

Suzuki’s ability to adapt to MLB pitching in just a short time speaks volumes about his talent and work ethic. As the Cubs head into the 2025 season, Suzuki is poised to be one of the cornerstones of the team’s lineup. His success is not only crucial for the Cubs but also for the growing reputation of Japanese hitters in MLB. While Ohtani may be the most well-known Japanese player in MLB, Suzuki’s consistent production is making him a rising star to watch.

Suzuki’s journey from the Hiroshima Carp to the big leagues has captivated fans both in Japan and the United States. His success is proof that Japanese players can thrive in MLB as all-around players, not just as pitchers or designated hitters. As Suzuki continues to grow, the Cubs’ hopes of returning to the postseason rest largely on his shoulders.

Kodai Senga: The New Ace in New York

Kodai Senga, the New York Mets pitcher, made a strong debut in MLB during the 2023 season, quickly establishing himself as one of the premier starters in the National League. The right-hander’s fastball and his “ghost fork” pitch, which drops suddenly out of the strike zone, have earned him widespread acclaim and a reputation as a strikeout artist. In 2024, Senga continued to build on his success, posting a 3.33 ERA and becoming a key piece of the Mets’ rotation.

As Senga heads into the 2025 season, expectations are high for him to become one of the top pitchers in the league. His ability to maintain control and generate swing-and-miss strikes makes him a dangerous weapon on the mound. The Mets, a team with championship aspirations, will rely heavily on Senga’s consistency and big-game experience, especially in a competitive National League East division.

Senga’s rise to MLB stardom is part of a larger trend of Japanese pitchers finding success in North America. His dominance in Japan’s NPB with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks made him one of the most coveted pitchers in recent memory, and his successful transition to MLB is a testament to the growing talent coming from Japan’s professional baseball leagues.

Masataka Yoshida: The Versatile Bat

Masataka Yoshida, the left-handed outfielder for the Boston Red Sox, is another exciting Japanese player to keep an eye on in the 2025 season. After a promising first season in MLB in 2023, Yoshida built on his success in 2024, earning a spot as one of the most consistent hitters in Boston’s lineup. Yoshida finished the 2024 season with a .300 batting average, 25 home runs, and 85 RBIs, proving that his approach at the plate and his power can translate well to MLB.

While Yoshida is primarily known for his hitting, his ability to contribute in all facets of the game, including base running and defense, has made him a valuable asset to the Red Sox. As the team looks to rebuild and return to postseason contention, Yoshida’s performance will be key. He brings a unique balance of patience at the plate, power, and defensive acumen, making him one of the most well-rounded players on the team.

Yoshida’s success in MLB continues to show that Japanese players can make an immediate impact as hitters, just as much as they can as pitchers. His quick adaptation to MLB pitching speaks to the growing integration of Japanese baseball styles into the American game.

As the 2025 MLB season begins, the presence of Shohei Ohtani and four other Japanese stars highlights the growing impact that Japanese players have had on the league. From Ohtani’s two-way dominance to the steady contributions of veterans like Darvish and rising stars like Suzuki, Senga, and Yoshida, Japan’s baseball talent continues to shine on the biggest stage in the world.

These players not only elevate their respective teams but also serve as a testament to the globalization of MLB. Their success is an inspiration to aspiring players in Japan and beyond, and as MLB continues to evolve, the influence of international stars like these will only grow. For baseball fans around the world, the 2025 season promises to be a thrilling showcase of Japanese talent, with these five players leading the charge.