gg2
NPB news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Jackson Rutledge signed with Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks on July 30. Fifteen former NPB pitchers played in MLB in 2026, showing talent flow.
Background
NPB news covers recent developments in Japanese baseball. Jackson Rutledge, a right-hander, signed with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, a major NPB team. Additionally, a record number of former NPB pitchers have appeared in MLB in 2026, indicating a growing trend of talent moving to the US. Also, NPB officials visited KBO to discuss baseball development and expanded exchange.
How it unfolded
- Jul 30, 2026Jackson Rutledge signed with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, as announced by the team.
- Aug 20, 2026Report that fifteen former NPB pitchers have played in MLB in 2026.
- Aug 21, 2026NPB officials, including Hideki Kuriyama, made a surprise visit to KBO to discuss baseball development and exchange.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- The influx of former NPB pitchers into MLB highlights the growing competitiveness and talent pool in Japanese baseball.