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MLB: Former Players Find Success in Japan’s Top League

By Joshua Mayer

Apr 17, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; A general view of baseballs prior to a game between the Kansas City Royals and the Oakland Athletics at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; A general view of baseballs prior to a game between the Kansas City Royals and the Oakland Athletics at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /
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5. Jose Lopez, IF

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Team: Yokohama Baystars

Japan Career: .275/.319/.487 (4 years)

MLB Career: .262/.292/.395 (9 years)

A veteran of nine MLB seasons, Jose Lopez was an everyday starter for the Mariners and even a one-time All Star. After bouncing around in his post-Seattle days, he found himself out of a job after 81 ugly games in 2012.

He then turned to the NPB and started with a bang, batting .303 in his first year with the Yomiuri Giants.

Lopez had very inconsistent power in MLB. He topped out with 25 homers in 2009 (24.52 AB/HR), and followed that with 10 in 2010 (59.3 AB/HR). In both years he had over 590 AB.

Now in Japan, Lopez has found some consistency with his home run swing. His AB/HR has been 23.8, 17.0, 20.6 and 17.7 in his four Japanese seasons, respectively.

At 32 years old, the Venezuelan infielder will most likely not appeal to another MLB team in the future. He had his solid run there and is most likely happy contributing in the NPB.

Next: A Former Minor League Player of the Year

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