NPB Player Rates & Ranks Report - For Week Ending 5/5/2025

I rated & ranked over 170 NPB players and here are the results...

Chris Boz

May 05, 2025

Document : NPB Rates & Ranks Report #2

Level : Professional - International

Source : https://www.fangraphs.com/

Offensive Data pulled : Sunday, May 4, 2025 10:53 AM ET

Pitchers Data pulled: Monday, 5/5/2025 10:09 AM ET

Overview : From an offensive perspective, I rated and ranked 170 NPB position players using stats for the follow dates 2025 Season Start - 5/4/2025, using a 20 PA min. Players were assessed using a neutralized Run Value system to measure their overall offensive production, broken down into two core components:

“The Run Tool”— Captures the value generated from non-hit plate appearances (walks, stolen bases, etc.)
“The Hit Tool”— Measures a player’s offensive impact via hitting.
“Overall” — A sum of the Run Tool and the Hit Tool, representing overall offensive contribution.

Each player is rated & ranked in these three categories: Run Tool, Hit Tool , and Overall

Before I jump into the Top Player Breakdown. I received some feedback from a reader at a game in real life while attending a game (pretty cool) and they had some questions about what the rates “Hit Tool” “Run Tool” “Overall Rate” mean and how it works…

So every offensive event has a run value associated with it, and I am breaking that down to a per Plate Appearance Basis. Some readers may ask why don’t you just look at RBI and Runs Scored to determine run value? Well, that’s a good point, but not every team is created equal. Some teams are juggernauts and other are well…not juggernauts, F Tier. If you play on better teams you will have more opportunities to score runs and drive more batters in so it would be “unfair” to judge players using traditional RBI and Runs Scored stats.

My goal was/is measure each players contributions individually and to create a practical statistic. One of the frustrations I have with traditional baseball stats is they do not have much practical use. Does do WAR, OPS, wOBA, etc. really have a use case? Not really. So I give every baseball event has a predetermined set run value. I then break those value down into the Hit Tool Rate (1B,2B,3B,HR) + Run Tool Rate (BB, SB, HBP) = Overall Rate.

When I look at players I look at them in terms of runs scoring production where most player fall in terms of Run Value / PA or Overall Rate in a MLB setting. Here is a general guideline to help you understand Overall Rate and where NPB players land on this scale.

I like to compare these players to a MLB standard scale for production to see if they could make the transition. If I were looking to acquire a player from another league with lower competition, then I need this player to be producing at an above average production or better.

That means we have (19) Above Average (18) Great and (6) Elite players to start looking at this week and I have applied those colors to this week players rates & ranks spreadsheet.

Used those colors to help people identify talent

Use Case - For context, a lineup composed entirely of average low end Overall Rate players would typically produce a low end avg result of ~4.5 runs per game.

With that in mind, let’s use that structure to breakdown our report to help identify top talent in the NPB…

Elite Range (>.17 RV/PA)

Taishi Hirooka Buffaloes (NPB) 28 years old 3B/SS, 8 year NPB vet… #1 in Overall Run Value .184 per PA. His production is primarily coming from his Hit Tool, ranked #1 (11.90% XBH rate & 4.76% HR rate) His Run Tool is a bit better than average, ranked #43 (11.76% BB Rate). By NPB standards, his overall production (.184 RV/PA) is 54.44% better than the average player (.119 RV/PA). A little deeper dive into the numbers and his BABIP is .406 which is about .130 points higher than his career BABIP. Aside from striking out 10% it’s going to be tough to sustain that, he might be just getting a little lucky to start the season. Either way, elite production in just 51 PA, we tip our caps to this weeks #1 Overall Rank Taishi Hirooka!!!
Cool uniforms
Kazuma Okamoto Giants (NPB) 29 years old 1B/3B , 8 year NPB vet … #2 in Overall Rate of 0.182 per PA. His production is primarily coming from his Hit Tool, ranked #3 (14.68% XBH rate & 7.34% HR rate) His Run Tool is a bit better than average, ranked #29 (11.11% BB Rate). By NPB standards, his overall production (.182 RV/PA) is 53.43% better than the average player (.119 RV/PA). Elite production, I love to see it, we tip our caps to this weeks #2 Overall Rank Kazuma Okamoto!!!
Teruaki Sato Tigers (NPB) 26 years old 3B/OF , 5 year NPB vet … #3 in Overall Rate of 0.178 per PA. His production is primarily coming from his Hit Tool, ranked #2 (17.43% XBH rate & 9.17% HR rate) His Run Tool is a tick above average, ranked #69 (9.32% BB Rate). By NPB standards, his overall production (0.178 RV/PA) is 50.07% better than the average player (.119 RV/PA). Soto’s SO rate is running a bit of a temperature 32.20%, but I am OK with the contact to damage ratio, keep swinging it. Elite production, I love to see it, we tip our caps to this weeks #3 Overall Rank Teruaki Sato!!!
Katsuya Kakunaka Marines (NPB )38 years old 3B/OF , 8 year NPB vet … #4 in Overall Rate of 0.175 per PA. His production is primarily coming from his Run Tool, ranked #4 (20.69% BB rate) His Hit Tool is a above average/great, ranked #20 (4.55% XBH rate & 4.55% HR rate). By NPB standards, his overall production (0.175 RV/PA) is 47.51% better than the average player (.119 RV/PA). It will be interesting to see if he can keep up this level of production. His BABIP is is about .040-.070 lower than his career. Tell me this could be sustainable. He’s lowered his SO rate while increasing his BB rate. Whether it’s hitting or using your legs to produce it’s elite production, I love to see it, we tip our caps to this weeks #4 Overall Rank Katsuya Kakunaka!!!
Ryo Ohta Buffaloes (NPB) 24 years old 1B/2B , 7 year NPB vet … #5 in Overall Rate of 0.173 per PA. His production is primarily coming from his Hit Tool, ranked #6 (5.41% XBH rate & 3.60% HR rate). His Run Tool is above average, ranked #45 (10.77%BB Rate). By NPB standards, his overall production (0.173 RV/PA) is 45.80% better than the average player (.119 RV/PA). Elite production, I love to see it, we tip our caps to this weeks #5 Overall Rank Ryo Ohta!!!

NPB on reddit on X: "Orix Buffaloes hitter Ryo Ohta tied the club record for hits in a month 39. He's tied with Boomer Wells in (April 1984) and Yoshitomo Tani (Aug

Takeshi Miyamoto Swallows (NPB) 30 years old 2B/OF , 8 year NPB vet … #6 in Overall Rate of 0.173 per PA. His production is primarily coming from his Run Tool, ranked #1 (30.00% BB rate) His Hit Tool is a average, ranked #89 (0.00% XBH rate & 0.00% HR rate). By NPB standards, his overall production (0.173 RV/PA) is 45.13% better than the average player (.119 RV/PA). It will be interesting to see if he can keep up this level of production. His BABIP is at his career average, but his BA is .020-.080 points lower than his career. While his SO rate is running a little hot (25.00%), his BB rate has skyrocketed to (30.00%). Maybe he has changed his approach to be more patient at the plate. This is a prime example of how a player can be elite WITHOUT slug. Whether it’s hitting or using your legs to produce it’s elite production, I love to see it, we tip our caps to this weeks #6 Overall Rank Katsuya Kakunaka!!!

Great Range (.15-.17 RV/PA)

Yusuke Mugitani Buffaloes (NPB) 22 years old OF , 1 year NPB vet … #7 in Overall Rate of 0.1697 per PA. His production is primarily coming from his Run Tool, ranked #8 (12.82% BB rate with 4 stolen bases at a 80% success rate). His Hit Tool is above average, ranked #21 (2.94% XBH rate & 0.00% HR rate). By NPB standards, his overall production (0.1697 RV/PA) is 42.84% better than the average player (.119 RV/PA). His SO rate is a little high for this level over competition, but his numbers show flashes of a total player. I would obviously like to see a bit more power, but at 22 maybe he can grow into that. But he’s got speed, and can turn walks into doubles. I do not love the .440 BABIP, tells me this could be a bit of luck, but then again he could be pulling the defense out of position with his speed. Small sample size, interested to see how his numbers progress. Whether it’s hitting or using your legs to produce I love to see it, we tip our caps to this weeks #7 Overall Rank Yusuke Mugitani!!!
Tatsuru Yanagimachi Hawks (NPB) 28 years old OF , 6 year NPB vet … #8 in Overall Rate of 0.168 per PA. His production is primarily coming from his above average/ great Hit Tool, ranked #9 (8.00% XBH rate & 4.00% HR rate). His Run Tool is above average, ranked #37 (13.56% BB Rate). By NPB standards, his overall production (0.168 RV/PA) is 41.73% better than the average player (.119 RV/PA). Will be interesting to see if he can hold that .417 BABIP. Great production, I love to see it, we tip our caps to this weeks #8 Overall Rank Tatsuru Yanagimachi!!!
Takeya Nakamura Lions (NPB) 41 years old OF , 8 year NPB vet … #9 in Overall Rate of 0.168 per PA. His production is primarily coming from his above average/ great Hit Tool, ranked #11 (9.30% XBH rate & 2.33% HR rate). His Run Tool is above average, ranked #25 (13.56% BB Rate). By NPB standards, his overall production (0.168 RV/PA) is 41.71% better than the average player (.119 RV/PA). Will be interesting to see if he can sustain this production. It’s only 54 PA, but he’s walking 5-9% higher than the past 4 years, and is striking out ~10% less. Great production, I love to see it, we tip our caps to this weeks #9 Overall Rank Takeya Nakamura!!!
Ukyo Shuto Hawks (NPB) 29 years old OF , 7 year NPB vet … #10 in Overall Rate of 0.167 per PA. His production is primarily coming from his above average Hit Tool, ranked #15 (8.05% XBH rate & 0.00% HR rate). His Run Tool is above average /great, ranked #22 (10.31% BB Rate, 4 stolen bases 75% success rate). By NPB standards, his overall production (0.167 RV/PA) is 40.31% better than the average player (.119 RV/PA). Will be interesting to see if he can sustain this production. 97 PA with a .429 BABIP which is ~.100 higher than his career average. Great production, I love to see it, we tip our caps to this weeks #10 Overall Rank Takeya Nakamura!!
Kenta Bright Dragons (NPB) 26
Yuma Tongu Buffaloes (NPB) 28
Shosei Nakamura Carp (NPB) 26
Yuki Yanagita Hawks (NPB) 36
Seiya Watanabe Lions (NPB) 22 years old OF , 1st year NPB … #15 in Overall Rate of 0.156 per PA. His production is primarily coming from his above average / great Hit Tool, ranked #4 (5.63% XBH rate & 0.00% HR rate). His Run Tool is below average, ranked #140 (4.00% BB Rate). By NPB standards, his overall production (0.156 RV/PA) is 31.61% better than the average player (.119 RV/PA). Will be interesting to see if he can sustain this production. 79 PA with a .400 BA with a .469 BABIP. Great production, I love to see it, we tip our caps to this weeks #15 Overall Rank Seiya Watanabe !!
Yutaro Sugimoto Buffaloes (NPB) 34
Trey Cabbage Giants (NPB) 28
Tyler Austin BayStars (NPB) 33
Toshiki Abe Golden Eagles (NPB) 35
Shuhei Takahashi Dragons (NPB) 31
Jeter Downs Hawks (NPB) 26
Hideto Asamura Golden Eagles (NPB) 34
Yuki Nomura Fighters (NPB) 25
Yudai Koga Swallows (NPB) 26 - #5 in Hit Tool

Above Average (.138-.15 RV/PA)

Takuma Hayashi BayStars (NPB) 24 years old 2B/SS , 3rd year NPB … #25 in Overall Rate of 0.150 per PA. His production is primarily coming from his Run Tool, ranked #3 (13.04% BB rate). His Hit Tool is average, ranked #81 (5.26% XBH rate & 0.00% HR rate). By NPB standards, his overall production (0.150 RV/PA) is 26.17% better than the average player (.119 RV/PA). Above average production, I love to see it, we tip our caps to this weeks #25 Overall Rank Takuma Hayashi !!
Daiki Asama Fighters (NPB) 29
Takayoshi Noma Carp (NPB) 32
Takuya Kai Giants (NPB) 32
Kaito Kozono Carp (NPB) 25 years old 3B/SS , 3rd year NPB … #29 in Overall Rate of 0.146 per PA. His production is primarily coming from his above average/great Run Tool, ranked #20 (12.80% BB rate, 3 stolen bases with 100% success rate). His Hit Tool is above average, ranked #54 (8.04% XBH rate & 0.00% HR rate). By NPB standards, his overall production (0.146 RV/PA) is 22.49% better than the average player (.119 RV/PA). Above average production, I love to see it, we tip our caps to this weeks #29 Overall Rank Kaito Kozono !!
Shugo Maki BayStars (NPB) 27
Manaya Nishikawa Lions (NPB) 26
Gakuto Wakabayashi Giants (NPB) 27
Eigoro Mogi Swallows (NPB) 31
Shota Suekane Carp (NPB) 29
Kyota Fujiwara Marines (NPB) 25
Ryusei Terachi Marines (NPB) 19 years old C , 1st year NPB … #36 in Overall Rate of 0.142 per PA. His production is primarily coming from his above average / great Hit Tool, ranked #10 (10.81% XBH rate & 5.41% HR rate). His Run Tool is Not Great, ranked #156 (2.56% BB Rate). By NPB standards, his overall production (0.142 RV/PA) is 19.64% better than the average player (.119 RV/PA). Great production from a Catcher , I love to see it, we tip our caps to this weeks #36 Overall Rank Ryusei Terachi !! I NEED TO SEE THIS GUY PLAY I LOVE A YOUNG CATCHER THAT CAN RAKE! THIS FIRES ME UP!
Natsuo Takizawa Lions (NPB) 21 years old 3B/SS , 4th year NPB … #37 in Overall Rate of 0.1415 per PA. His production is primarily coming from his great Run Tool, ranked #10 (14.00% BB rate, 3 stolen bases with 100% success rate). His Hit Tool is average, ranked #93 (0.00% XBH rate & 0.00% HR rate). By NPB standards, his overall production (0.1415 RV/PA) is 19.10% better than the average player (.119 RV/PA). Above average production, I love to see it, we tip our caps to this weeks #37 Overall Rank Natsuo Takizawa !!
Seiya Hosokawa Dragons (NPB) 26
Yua Tamiya Fighters (NPB) 25
Koji Chikamoto Tigers (NPB) 30
Ryuki Watari BayStars (NPB) 22 years old OF, 2nd year NPB … #41 in Overall Rate of 0.139 per PA. His production is primarily coming from his above average Hit Tool, ranked #39 (3.45% XBH rate & 3.45% HR rate). His Run Tool is above average-average, ranked #56 (10.45% BB Rate). By NPB standards, his overall production (0.139 RV/PA) is 16.94% better than the average player (.119 RV/PA). Above average production, I love to see it, we tip our caps to this weeks #41 Overall Rank Ryuki Watari !!
Tatsuki Mizuno Fighters (NPB) 24 years old SS, 4th year NPB … #42 in Overall Rate of 0.138 per PA. His production is primarily coming from his above average/great Hit Tool, ranked #26 (9.72% XBH rate & 2.78% HR rate). His Run Tool is average, ranked #86 (6.25% BB Rate). By NPB standards, his overall production (0.138 RV/PA) is 16.30% better than the average player (.119 RV/PA). Above average production, I love to see it, we tip our caps to this weeks #42 Overall Rank Tatsuki Mizuno !!
Takumu Nakano Tigers (NPB) 29

Pitching Breakdown

There is limited data on pitchers in NPB, so I had to use implied probabilities numbers for some XBH values to understand run value, which is why I use the *. From the pitching perspective, I rated & ranked 119 NPB pitchers for 2025 Season Start - 4/21/2025 with a minimum requirement of 10 IP. I will increase the minimum innings requirement as the season goes on. The pitchers are rated the same way in terms of run value but instead of Plate appearance or At Bat, I use Batter Faced.

Top Pitchers by RV/TBF :