Major League Baseball's free agency period opened earlier this week, allowing teams to pursue roster upgrades including players from Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), South Korea's Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), and Taiwan's Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL). The posting system grants NPB and CPBL players a 45-day negotiation window and KBO players a 30-day window, with signing teams paying a posting fee to the player's former club based on a tiered structure: 20% of contracts up to $25 million, $5 million plus 17.5% of the amount over $25 million for contracts between $25 million and $50 million, and $9.375 million plus 15% of the amount over $50 million for larger deals. Unlike the previous lockout, MLB will not pause the signing window during the expected December 1 lockout, meaning posted NPB players must sign before their 45-day window expires unless the lockout ends earlier. There are no superstar-caliber players like Shohei Ohtani or Yoshinobu Yamamoto available this winter, but several interesting talents could improve MLB rosters in 2027.
Teruaki Sato
Third baseman Teruaki Sato, ranked No. 4 among top 50 free agents, was posted by the Hanshin Tigers on November 1. The 2026 Japan Triple Crown winner hit .306/.383/.609 with 39 home runs. He has a similar skill set to Munetaka Murakami but with a lower contact rate (66% vs. MLB average 77%) and is projected to move to first base or a corner outfield spot. Possible landing spots include the Cardinals, Phillies, and Yankees.
Kaima Taira
Right-handed pitcher Kaima Taira, ranked No. 19, was posted by the Seibu Lions on November 1. Listed at 5-foot-8, Taira generates outlier extension down the mound, creating a low release point. He sits in the mid-90s with a four-seam fastball and features a cutter, sinker, sweeper, slider, changeup, and splitter. Used as a reliever in 2024-25 and a starter in 2026, he may be a back-end starter or multi-inning reliever in MLB. Possible destinations: Dodgers, Giants, Padres.
Hiroki Itoh
Right-hander Hiroki Itoh, ranked No. 26, was posted by the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters on November 1. The 2025 Eiji Sawamura Award winner posted a 3.18 ERA in 172⅔ innings in 2026 after a 2.52 ERA in 196⅔ innings in 2025. The 5-foot-9 pitcher throws seven pitches, including a low-90s fastball, sinker, cutter, curveball, slider, sweeper, and splitter, but lacks a standout plus offering. He has thrown at least 150 innings in each of the last six seasons and could be a crafty back-end starter or reliever. Possible landing spots: Angels, Giants, Padres.
Si-Hwan Roh
Third baseman Si-Hwan Roh, unranked in the top 50, was posted by the Hanwha Eagles on November 1. The 26-year-old signed an 11-year, roughly $23 million KBO contract in February that included an agreement to be posted this offseason and return to the Eagles after his MLB stint. In 2026, he batted .283/.360/.505 with 29 home runs, showing right-handed power and a good plate approach, though concerns remain about swing-and-miss tendency and arm strength at third base. Possible destinations: Marlins, Pirates, Reds.
Kona Takahashi
Right-hander Kona Takahashi, unranked, is an international free agent after the Seibu Lions posted him last offseason but he returned to Japan for 2026, throwing 148 innings with a 2.64 ERA. The 30-year-old sits 91-95 mph with a fastball and features a slider, splitter, cutter, and curveball. He is considered a potential innings-eater for the back of an MLB rotation. Possible landing spots: Diamondbacks, Rays, White Sox.
Jyun-Yue Tseng
Right-hander Jyun-Yue Tseng, unranked, pitched for Chinese Taipei in the 2023 and 2026 World Baseball Classics and has been a top CPBL reliever. In 2026, he saved 25 games with a 1.80 ERA and 65 strikeouts in 52⅓ innings. His fastball sits in the mid-90s and has touched 100 mph in the past, though not recently. His breaking ball needs improvement for him to become more than a middle reliever in MLB. Possible destinations: Athletics, Mariners.
