On Monday, the New York Yankees were officially eliminated from the Roki Sasaki sweepstakes. The Japanese phenom, a generational pitching talent, narrowed his potential MLB destinations to the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Toronto Blue Jays. For Yankees fans, this marks another chapter in the story of high-profile Japanese stars bypassing the Bronx.

However, for baseball expert Sal Licata, this means a changing landscape for a team once famous for attracting the best Japanese players; the Yankees will now enter the upcoming season without a sensational Japanese star.

Japanese stars turn their backs on the Yankees: A changing landscape

L.A Times
Sasaki’s decision follows similar rebuffs from two other Japanese superstars. Last offseason, Yoshinobu Yamamoto chose the Dodgers despite the Yankees offering the highest average annual value (AAV) in their contract proposal. Years earlier, Shohei Ohtani famously opted for the Los Angeles Angels, citing a preference for the West Coast’s proximity to Japan.

For Sal Licata, Sasaki’s decision underscores a growing trend: the Yankees no longer hold the allure they once did for Japanese players. Speaking on SNY, Licata highlighted the shift in perception.

“The Yankees should be enough, as far as prestige goes, to offset some of the negatives we have here, like bad weather,” Licata said. “However, it used to mean something to these players coming over from Japan to be a Yankee.”

Reflecting on history

The Yankees’ history with Japanese baseball is storied, dating back to the early 20th century. Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Lefty O’Doul played pivotal roles in popularizing the sport in Japan during their barnstorming tours. Ruth’s legend loomed so large that Japanese soldiers reportedly adopted the cry, “To hell with Babe Ruth,” during World War II. Ruth’s impact, however, wasn’t just athletic; his presence helped solidify baseball’s cultural significance in Japan.

After World War II, figures like Joe DiMaggio and O’Doul continued to foster ties between the Yankees and Japanese baseball. DiMaggio’s 1950 tour of Japan, where he was greeted with ticker-tape parades, further cemented the Yankees as a symbol of baseball excellence. This reverence persisted into the 21st century, epitomized by Hideki Matsui’s celebrated tenure in the Bronx.

The Matsui effect

NY POST
Matsui, affectionately nicknamed “Godzilla,” became the Yankees’ first bona fide Japanese superstar when he signed a three-year, $21 million contract in 2002. His arrival was met with unprecedented fanfare in both Japan and the United States. More than 500 reporters attended his introductory press conference, and Yankees games became a staple on Japanese television, often surpassing the viewership of local NPB games.

Matsui’s impact wasn’t confined to the field. His humility, work ethic, and respect for tradition resonated with both American and Japanese fans. During his seven seasons in New York, Matsui hit .292, clubbed 140 home runs, and earned World Series MVP honors in 2009. For many, he symbolized the perfect blend of Japanese discipline and American power.

A diminishing connection

Despite Matsui’s success, the Yankees’ relationship with Japanese players has waned in recent years. Masahiro Tanaka, signed in 2014 for $155 million over seven years, was the last Japanese player to don pinstripes. Tanaka’s tenure was marked by steady performance and postseason brilliance, but his departure in 2020 signaled the end of an era.

The Yankees’ subsequent attempts to recruit Japanese talent have been less fruitful. The team fell short in their pursuit of Ohtani, and while they made a competitive bid for Yamamoto, it wasn’t enough to lure him away from Los Angeles.

Why are Japanese stars spurning the Yankees?

A combination of geographical preferences, changing perceptions, competitive markets, and the team’s performance contributes to the Yankees’ struggles in attracting Japanese players. Many Japanese players prefer the West Coast for its proximity to Japan and cultural familiarity. The Yankees’ mystique, rooted in their dominance during the late 20th century, has faded for a younger generation of players who didn’t grow up watching the dynasty years. MLB’s financial landscape has evolved, with more teams willing to invest heavily in international talent, and the Yankees no longer have the upper hand in bidding wars. The team’s failure to win a World Series since 2009 has diminished their status as perennial contenders, making other teams more compelling for players seeking both financial security and championship aspirations.

The World Series final and popularity in Japan

During the most recent World Series, where the Los Angeles Dodgers emerged as champions with Shohei Ohtani leading the way, the Yankees remained the most popular team in Japan. Despite Ohtani’s transcendent talent and the Dodgers’ success, the Yankees’ historical connection to Japanese baseball still resonated deeply. Their storied past, coupled with iconic figures like Matsui and Tanaka, continues to cast a long shadow over the sport in Japan.

The series showcased the undeniable draw of Ohtani, whose two-way brilliance carried the Dodgers to victory, but it also reaffirmed that the Yankees’ legacy remains intact. Japanese fans still see the Yankees as a cultural touchstone, even as modern players gravitate toward West Coast teams. This dynamic creates a unique dichotomy where the Yankees are revered in Japan but increasingly struggle to attract the country’s top talent to the Bronx.

The Yankees remain an iconic brand, but their approach to Japanese talent may need reevaluation. Sasaki’s decision to exclude New York from his list of preferred destinations highlights the need for a more nuanced strategy. Building relationships with NPB teams, investing in scouting infrastructure, and addressing the factors that deter Japanese players could help the Yankees regain their footing in this crucial market.

As the Yankees navigate an offseason filled with questions, the absence of Sasaki looms large. For a team steeped in history, adapting to modern challenges will be key to ensuring their legacy continues to resonate—both in Japan and beyond.