The Los Angeles Dodgers had the opportunity to further enhance their image in Japan during the Tokyo series. The team already boasts stars like Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki, but their Pacific pipeline is not slowing down anytime soon.
Galen Carr, the Dodgers’ VP of Player Personnel, recently revealed insight into the team’s future in Japan, according to the Los Angeles Times:
If you ask me about the next five years in Japan, I could name at least three really interesting names that we’re going to be looking at moving forward and have our eyes on.
Hanshin Tigers right fielder Shota Morishita (1) gestures after hitting a double against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fourth inning at Tokyo Dome
Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
While Carr did not mention any specific names, the Dodgers should have their pick of the litter whenever the next star decides to make the transition to the MLB. No, they do not have every Japanese superstar, but with their growing global brand and substantial collection of Japanese players, it seems that Los Angeles will remain the favorite for years.
One name to watch for is Kazuma Okamoto. He is a corner infielder for the Yomiuri Giants with tremendous power from the right side of the plate. Okamoto has 232 home runs since 2018, and should he make the move, he will be an enticing option for franchises.
Okamoto is 28 years old, and Los Angeles could be talking about younger prospects.
Munetaka Murakami is a 25-year-old third baseman for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows and one of the best young players in the country. Since entering the NPB in 2018, Murakami has 143-game averages of 34 home runs, 95 RBIs, a .272 batting average, a .938 OPS, and routinely reaches double-digit steals.
Again, there has been no official word on any particulars; these are just some potential future targets for the Dodgers. Regardless of who Carr and co. are actually targeting, he is sure to impact not only the team’s domestic success but also its foreign popularity.
