Articles

Ohtani reached his 5th HR early in the 2026 season. How does this compare with past 50-HR hitters' early pace?

We dig into why Imanaga's splitter works in MLB — 41.9% whiff rate and a remarkable 20.0% hard-hit rate.

We break down first-year ChiSox slugger Munetaka Murakami's .992 OPS via plate discipline and power indicators.

From Ohtani vs. Imanaga to past matchups — we revisit Japanese player duels between the Dodgers and Cubs.

We explain what a Barrel is, how it's calculated, and why the combination of exit velocity and launch angle matters.

We clarify when to use xwOBA (expected, luck-neutral) versus wOBA (actual outcomes).

We use heatmaps to understand which combinations of exit velocity and launch angle drive extra-base hits.

Ohtani's post-Tommy John return: velocity, pitch mix, and an early-season 0.38 ERA.

We examine Imanaga's Zone% and the mechanical traits that enable it.

We check the correlation between Murakami's pull direction frequency and his power output.

How Hideo Nomo's 1995 MLB leap opened the door for Japanese players that followed.

A look back at Ichiro's 10 consecutive .300/200-hit seasons and his historical standing.

We revisit Matsui's Yankees RBI production, culminating in his 2009 World Series MVP.

Tracing Yu Darvish's career as he continues to break the Japanese MLB strikeout record.

We summarize Masahiro Tanaka's seven Yankees years and his path back to NPB.

We look at Kikuchi's velocity bump and strikeout-rate improvement after moving to the bullpen.

We compare Kenta Maeda's pitching profile between his Dodgers and Twins tenures.

Suzuki's role in the Cubs lineup and his season-to-season trend.

We revisit the 5-year, $90M Yoshida deal with Boston in light of his on-field output.

Fujinami has been taming his control issues. We look at his current MLB status and role shifts.

A look at Senga's signature ghost forkball, its drop profile, and how it plays vs. MLB hitters.

We re-evaluate Yamamoto's massive Dodgers deal in light of his on-field production so far.

We examine former NPB closer Yuki Matsui's new role as an MLB setup man.

Using his rookie data, we consider whether Uwasawa can adapt going forward.

A quick look at Japanese minor leaguers who could be called up during 2026.

A Dodgers/Padres-centered preview of the 2026 NL West, with standings projections and key storylines.

A preview of the AL East, centered on the Yankees, Orioles, and Red Sox as the likely top trio.

We examine game-length reductions and rhythm effects from the 2023 pitch-clock rules.

We track how stolen base totals and success rates shifted after the 2023 base-size change.

We analyze how LHH batting average and BABIP have shifted since the 2023 shift restrictions.

We look at how Japanese pitchers handle MLB's contact-oriented hitting culture.

We lay out Ohtani's pitch arsenal and the batting-average-against and whiff rates on each.

We explain how Imanaga's high-zone 4-seam works, through spin rate and release point.

We consider how Murakami is handling MLB pitchers' low-slider attack so far.

We list Japanese MLB players at the top of career WAR and group them by position.

A list of Japanese MLB Gold Glove recipients and what set their defense apart.

We review Japanese candidates in the 2026 Rookie of the Year conversation.

A roundup of Japanese players on 2026 postseason-contending rosters.

We analyze why MLB teams are increasingly signing Japanese relievers, and how they use them.

We map out midseason storylines to watch for Japanese players and teams in 2026.