Five players in foreign leagues to watch this MLB offseason

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The MLB offseason will be upon us all before we know it.

Yes, the postseason has yet to begin. And there are still a few games left in the regular season. However, for the majority of teams and their fans, it is time to look ahead to 2023. This coming offseason could be a chance to add those pieces needed to get back into contention.

Several players overseas could make MLB impact in 2023

Those players are not just limited to those currently stateside. Players head overseas, whether to Japan, South Korea, or Taiwan, in an attempt to rebuild their careers. The talent level in those leagues has improved, with players heading stateside to test themselves against the best of the best. This offseason, just like in others in recent past, players will look to make the transition to the majors to prove themselves.

Which players currently playing overseas could make an impact on MLB teams in 2023? Let’s take a look at five possible candidates.

Koudai Senga

MLB teams have been eyeing Koudai Senga for years now. This should be the time that he finally comes stateside.

The issue is that Senga is part of the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks, who refuse to make their players available through the posting system. Senga has repetitively expressed his desire to be posted so he can head stateside, but the Hawks have been steadfast in ignoring those requests. This time, he has an opt-out clause in his contract and would be eligible for international free agency, making him available for any interested teams if he exercises that clause as anticipated.

Senga has been his typically excellent self this season. He has posted a 2.03 ERA and a 1.040 WHiP in his 124 innings, striking out 137 batters with 40 walks. Although he would be 30 at the start of the 2023 season, he only has 1320.2 innings on his arm as the Hawks had used him in relief for the first few years of his career.

He also has the type of arsenal that can find success in the majors. Senga’s fastball can touch triple digits and he has a devastating forkball, the “Haunted Fork,” that falls off a table. He supplements those offerings with a cutter and a slider, giving him a strong four pitch mix that can befuddle the best hitters.

Koudai Senga has eyed the majors for years. His time could come this offseason.

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Masahiro Tanaka

It was a surprise when Masahiro Tanaka left MLB to head back to Japan. It is possible that he could switch continents again.

Tanaka had been a solid arm for the Yankees during his seven years in the majors. He was a two time All Star, a dependable second or third starter in New York who thrived in pinstripes. However, when he was unable to get the contract he wanted in free agency, and the Yankees had moved on, he returned to the Rakuten Golden Eagles.

There had been some thought that Tanaka would look to return in the past offseason as he had an opt-out clause in his two year deal. Instead, he remained in Japan, turning in another solid campaign with the Golden Eagles.

A free agent once more when this season ends, it is possible that Tanaka looks to come back stateside, especially if the Yankees are interested. While he will be 34 years old, and is not the same pitcher he was, he could still be a solid middle of the rotation option. And, as he has yet to win a World Series, joining a contending team could be the enticement needed to bring him back.

Roberto Osuna

There was a time when Roberto Osuna was one of the best closers in the game. With over 150 saves at 25 years old, he appeared to be on the way to a historic career.

Then it all came crashing to a halt. A suspension for violating the MLB domestic abuse policy and an elbow injury that was expected to need Tommy John surgery led to his being unable to find a major league job. Even a strong showing in Mexico in 2021 was unable to generate interest, leading to Osuna signing with the Chiba Lotte Marines after he began this year back in Mexico.

Osuna has performed well enough in Japan to earn another look. He has posted a 0.72 ERA and a 0.600 WHiP in his 25 innings, striking out 29 batters with three walks. Osuna is clearly healthy once again and, at 28 years old at the beginning of next year, could be a potential bargain for a team in need of a closer.

The problem would be convincing a fanbase to be on board with such a move. Yet, in a results oriented league, Roberto Osuna deserves a second chance, especially with his performance.

(Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images) /

Tetsuto Yamada

Much like the aforementioned Koudai Senga, Tetsuto Yamada has been on MLB radars for years. Of course, that will be the case when one is referred to as the Japanese Mike Trout.

It is easy to see why Yamada would be so highly coveted. He has produced a stellar .287/.389/.519 batting line with 271 homers and 271 doubles in his 5726 plate appearances, chipping in 190 steals. His four 30-30 seasons, seven All Star appearances, and 2015 Central League MVP award are just the beginning to his long list of honors and accomplishments on the diamond.

Yamada does not run as much these days. And, at 30 years old, he will start to slow down even more in the coming years. Yet that does not change the fact that he would be a potential impact player, especially at second base, for years to come. He still has plenty of pop in his bat as evidenced by his 23 homers and 27 doubles to help any interested teams. The problem is that, as he signed a seven year deal after the 2020 season, he would need to be posted to come stateside.

Yasiel Puig

There is no question that Yasiel Puig wants to return stateside, preferably to the Dodgers, before his career comes to an end.

It is possible that this could happen. One of the biggest knocks on Puig has been his attitude and inability to control his temper. That had manifested throughout his MLB career, and had reared its head during his time in the Mexican League when he touched off a benches clearing incident. That has not been the case in the KBO however as Puig has fit in perfectly.

It also helps that Puig has been producing at a solid clip. He has a .274/.364/.460 batting line in his 486 plate appearances, hitting 17 homers and 27 doubles. Puig still has that rocket of an arm and ability to make an impact. At 32 years old at the beginning of the 2023 season, he is still young enough to be a longer term option for teams in need of outfield help.

Next. Top unrestricted free agents at each position. dark

It has been three years since Yasiel Puig has suited up in the majors. He could make a return to MLB soon.

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