This season there are a few NPB players who have fulfilled the requirements for international free agency (meaning they are free to negotiate with any team, domestic or abroad) and may attempt to follow in the successful footsteps of Yu Darvish and Norichika Aoki and make a move to the major leagues next year.
Among them, three stand out: Seibu Lions shortstop Hiroyuki Nakajima, Hanshin Tigers shortstop Takashi Toritani and Tigers closer Kyuji Fujikawa. Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters second baseman Kensuke Tanaka is also rumored to be considering the move, but recently suffered a season-ending elbow injury.
Nakajima is probably the star of the bunch. The 30-year-old was posted last year, but had to return for another season in Tokorozawa after negotiations with the New York Yankees fell through. He is expected to test MLB waters again this year.