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Fansided

Five players in foreign leagues to watch this MLB offseason

By David Hill

YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - AUGUST 07: Pitcher Kodai Senga #21 of Team Japan is seen after the sixth inning against Team United States during the gold medal game between Team United States and Team Japan on day fifteen of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Yokohama Baseball Stadium on August 07, 2021 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)
YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - AUGUST 07: Pitcher Kodai Senga #21 of Team Japan is seen after the sixth inning against Team United States during the gold medal game between Team United States and Team Japan on day fifteen of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Yokohama Baseball Stadium on August 07, 2021 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)
(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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