My Top 30 Draft Board

Tier Descriptions

These are my top 30 prospects in the class. Tier 1 players — Yumeto Kanemaru and Rui Muneyama — are the faces of the draft. Five years from now, 2024 will be remembered as the “Kanemaru and Muneyama Draft.” They are guaranteed to be heavily contested in the lottery. Everyone wants them.

Tier 1.5 players — Yuto Nakamura, Yusei Ishizuka, Misho Nishikawa, and Seiya Watanabe — will likely go in the early first round and could possibly be contested. These six are effectively a lock to be first-rounders. Tier 2 players will likely go in the late first or early second round. They are expected to be the top fallback options for teams that lose the lottery.

Tier 2.5 players are a big stretch for the first round but will likely be taken by the third round. Tier 3 players are the most notable names out of the rest.

Note: The displayed stats for some players are incomplete and only include official games from select competitions listed by Draft Repo. They do not reflect a player’s entire amateur career and do not distinguish between competition levels.

Prospect Breakdowns

1. LHP Yumeto Kanemaru, Kanasi University

Age: 21, Height: 5-10, Weight: 170, Throws: L, Bats: L

One of the best left-handed arm talents of the generation, Kanemaru has dominated the college circuit since debuting in Fall 2021. In March 2024, he was selected to Samurai Japan’s senior national team and threw two perfect innings with four strikeouts against the Team Europe All-Stars. The Kansai University ace posted video game numbers in the Spring semester, not allowing a single earned run across 39 innings with a 52:3 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

His low to mid-90s fastball has been tracked at around 2,400 RPMs with over 19 inches of induced vertical break (IVB), well above the NPB or MLB average, which is enhanced by his lower slot. He gets whiffs on his low-80s gyro slider and split-finger and mid-70s changeup, giving him three different looks to rack up strikeouts. He also has a slow curve as an early-count strike-getter. Kanemaru has a perfect mix of stuff and command, with the ability to be at the top of an NPB rotation from day one, likely making him the hottest commodity on draft night.

College Career Stats (2021-2024)

2. SS Rui Muneyama, Meiji University

Age: 21, Height: 5-9, Weight: 175, Throws: R, Bats: L

The so-called “Prince of Meiji” has been a star since his freshman year, when he slashed .378/.425/.432 in the fall semester. He gradually added some power, smashing seven homers in 27 Tokyo Big6 League games during 2022. As a junior, he was the starting shortstop for Japan at the 2023 Collegiate All-Star Series against Team USA, batting third each game. He was named to Samurai Japan’s senior national team for the Japan-Europe exhibition in March but has been sidelined for much of 2024 with injuries.

He has excellent bat control and recognition of the strike zone, as well as the ability to hit line drives to all fields. He has some pop relative to his small frame, but his game is more catered to singles and doubles. His defense sets him apart from other amateurs. His quick hands, natural instincts, and strong, accurate arm allow him to make difficult plays reliably. He possesses average to above-average speed, swiping seven bags in his college career. With a solid hit tool and elite defense, Muneyama can quickly become the face of an NPB franchise.

College Career Stats (2021-2024)

3. RHP Yuto Nakamura, Aichi Institute of Technology

Age: 21, Height: 5-9, Weight: 180, Throws: R, Bats: L

Nakamura immediately showed potential with a 1.55 ERA as a freshman starter in Spring 2021 and hasn’t looked back. He’s won the strikeout title for three straight semesters at the Aichi Institute of Technology, striking out 61 and walking just five batters in 40.2 innings of work this spring. He was named to the senior national team for the Japan-Europe exhibition in March and the collegiate national team in Prague and Haarlem this summer, contributing to the Samurai’s championships with 16 punchouts over 10.1 frames and a 3.48 ERA.

He’s topped out at 99 mph on his heater and has no problem sitting in the mid-90s for multiple innings. His mid-80s slider is regarded as his best weapon, coupling very well with his fastball on the outside part of the plate as it offers depth and sweep. His other secondaries include a cutter, changeup, curveball, and splitter. Nakamura has advanced, compact mechanics with short arm action and plus stuff that should absolutely play at the NPB level.

College Career Stats (2021-2024)

4. SS Yusei Ishizuka, Hanasaki Tokuharu HS (Saitama)

Age: 18, Height: 5-11, Weight: 180, Throws: R, Bats: R

Ishizuka became a regular at his school from his freshman year and earned the vice-captaincy by his sophomore season. As a senior, he led his team to their first Summer Koshien Tournament appearance with a 4 for 4 performance in the regional finals. He was also selected to Japan’s U-18 national team, where he hit cleanup and batted .294/.455/.471 in six contests at the 2024 U-18 Asia Championship.

His bat-to-ball skills set him apart from his peers, and he practically never strikes out. Yet, he doesn’t have to sacrifice the quality of contact like a traditional slap hitter, relying on his good eye and bat speed to pepper the ball to all fields consistently. His fielding is adequate, with solid footwork and range alongside a plus arm. He can likely stick at shortstop long-term but has the bat to move to second or third if necessary. He also has excellent speed, stealing 11 bases in 26 tournament games and recording a triple in just over 11 seconds. Ishizuka is an athletic, well-rounded prospect with the potential to be a perennial All-Star.

High School Tournament Stats (2023-2024)

5. OF Misho Nishikawa, Aoyama Gakuin University

Age: 21, Height: 6-0, Weight: 190, Throws: R, Bats: R

Nishikawa played shortstop in high school before moving to the outfield upon entering Aoyama Gakuin University. He was limited to pinch-hitting duties in his freshman and sophomore campaigns, going just 2 for 17. But he broke out in Spring 2023 with a .364/.391/.614 slash line and three homers in 11 games, winning the Tohto University League MVP honors. He replicated that success in Spring 2024, taking home the MVP again. His overall college numbers look a bit underwhelming, but he’s elevated his game over the past few seasons. He’s also consistently performed in international competitions like the 2023 Collegiate All-Star Series and 2024 Prague Baseball Week.

He is noted for his quick bat speed and lofty swing, which translates to his in-game power. He takes big hacks until two strikes (and whiffs often) but generates high exit velocities when the bat connects. He generally has an aggressive approach, so improving his pitch recognition and making better swing decisions will be key to finding consistency. As a defender, he has a plus arm and can handle all three outfields. He showcased his speed and range on the senior national team in March when he made an impressive diving catch in center to save a combined Perfect Game against Team Europe. Nishikawa is a powerful athlete with a high ceiling, thanks to his prowess on both sides of the ball.

College Career Stats (2021-2024)

6. OF Seiya Watanabe, Osaka University of Commerce

Age: 22, Height: 5-10, Weight: 195, Throws: R, Bats: R

A muscular slugger out of Hiroshima, Watanabe saw immediate success at the Osaka University of Commerce with a .351/.385/.459 line in his spring semester as a freshman. Except for a slight downturn in early 2024, he’s maintained a high level of production in subsequent seasons, nearing the ideal .300/.400/.500 slash. He played in four games at the 2024 Collegiate All-Star Series in North Carolina and homered off Trey Yesavage, the 20th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.

He has good plate discipline and power and isn’t afraid to go the other way. He has a bit of a flat swing and tends to have lower launch angles, but his raw pop can make up for it. Despite his stocky build, he offers the speed and agility necessary to stick at center field. He also has some experience on the infield. Watanabe’s ceiling isn’t quite as high as Nishikawa’s, but he’s another well-rounded outfielder that a handful of NPB teams will surely take an interest in.

College Career Stats (2021-2024)

7. RHP Yuki Kesamaru, Hotoku Gakuen HS (Hyogo)

Age: 18, Height: 6-2, Weight: 175, Throws: R, Bats: R

A lanky right-hander, Kesamaru is still growing into his tall frame. He initially appeared to be better off taking the college route but had a big jump in velocity this year, maxing at 94 mph. He has experience on the big stage, playing in the Spring and Summer Koshien tournaments and being selected to Japan’s roster for the 2024 U-18 Asia Championship.

He still has room to add velo as he only sits in the high-80s to low-90s, but he already has unusually high pitchability for someone of his stature. He locates the ball well and attacks the strike zone (though he uncharacteristically had four walks in just 2.2 innings in the U-18 Final against Chinese Taipei). He doesn’t fear throwing in on hitters and has a great feel for all his pitches, which include a forkball and ‘death-ball-esque’ slider as his main putaway pitches. He also has an eephus curve. Kesamaru is the consensus top prep pitcher of the class and has the ingredients to develop into an ace in the right organization.

High School Koshien Stats (2023-2024)

8. SS Shotaro Morii, Toho HS (Tokyo)

Age: 17, Height: 6-0, Weight: 190, Throws: R, Bats: L

Morii has elected to skip the NPB Draft to pursue MLB

Inspired by Rintaro Sasaki, Morii is strongly considering skipping NPB to attend college in the United States next year. He has also drawn interest from MLB scouts but will exhaust all his options before making his ultimate decision. His favorite player is Elly De La Cruz. As a freshman, he played third base and occasionally pitched before transitioning to true two-way duties from year two.

With a fastball clocked at 95 mph, his arm talent is unquestionable. But he has more upside as a hitter, and his arm is still put to good use at shortstop, where he exhibits promising movements and a quick transfer. At the plate, he’s able to stay back on the ball and take massive hacks. He has a good understanding of his body and generates easy power from a swing built for pulling fly balls. NPB front offices could be scared away by Morii’s desire to play in MLB one day, but he has the aura of a superstar and has the highest ceiling of any position player in this class.

High School Tournament Stats (2022-2024)

9. TWP Leo Shibata, Ohori HS (Fukuoka)

Age: 18, Height: 6-1, Weight: 190, Throws: R, Bats: L

There are a pair of true two-way prospects (Kota Yazawa & Riku Takeda) currently playing in NPB systems. Only time will tell if they can continue to pursue both, but recent examples in MLB systems (Reggie Crawford, Bryce Eldridge, Jac Caglianone) suggest it’s not really feasible. A few others (Akiro Neo, Atsushi Katsumata, etc.) have converted positions mid-way through their development. That said, scouts are raving about Shibata on both sides of the ball, and he may very well start his professional career as a TWP. His school is also the alma mater of Orix Buffaloes flamethrower Shunpeita Yamashita.

His stuff doesn’t jump off the page on the mound, averaging in the high-80s and topping at just 93 on the fastball. But he’s a strike-getter with great confidence in his vertical slider as a wipeout pitch. He mixes in a curve and forkball, but he primarily keeps things simple with a fastball-slider. As a hitter, he’s displayed a natural knack for barrelling pitches. He can launch the ball a long way even without selling out for power and was intentionally walked six times in seven games at the regionals this summer. Defensively, he plays first base and corner outfield, where he’s below-average. Shibata will be a project, but he has a chance to be a very special player at the NPB level.

High School Tournament Stats (2024)

10. LHP Ryusei Fujita, Sagami HS (Kanagawa)

Age: 17, Height: 6-6, Weight: 210, Throws: L, Bats: L

At 6-foot-6, Fujita is one of the tallest Japanese pitching prospects in history. He broke out in his senior year, leading his school to the third round of the 2024 Summer Koshien with a 0.84 ERA in three starts, including a 13-strikeout gem in the first round. He was selected to the U-18 Japanese national team, striking out seven over 5.2 scoreless innings at the Asia Championship.

Having such a lanky frame, he balances himself well on the mound, dangling his leg mid-delivery when pitching out of a full windup. He gradually increased his velocity this year, sitting in the low-90s with plenty of room for improvement as he grows into his body. His secondaries, which include a slider, curveball, and changeup, have significant separation from his fastball. He struggles to find a consistent release point, leading to volatility in his control, but various NPB and MLB scouts believe Fujita has an incredibly high ceiling in the right environment.

High School Koshien Stats (2024)

11. RHP Kentaro Shinogi, Hosei University

Age: 22, Height: 5-10, Weight: 165, Throws: R, Bats: L

Shinogi was a standout performer throughout his middle and high school career before committing to Hosei University in 2021. He continued to flash NPB potential with impressive strikeout numbers and a mid-90s fastball, eventually winning the Tokyo Big6 League ERA title in Spring 2023. He’s been a member of the collegiate national team since his sophomore season, gaining valuable experience in global tournaments. In Haarlem this year, he allowed just one hit over 3.1 shutout innings against Team USA.

He doesn’t look intimidating on the mound, but he packs a punch with a rising four-seamer topping at 98 mph and 2,500+ RPMs. He gets down low and throws at the top of the zone from a deceptive slot with an explosive delivery, though his velo noticeably drops when going out of the stretch. He’s quite fastball-reliant but regularly gets swings and misses on his mid-80s slider, which feels like a slider-cutter hybrid. He also mixes in a forkball, curveball, and sinker, though they aren’t reliable pitches. Shinogi needs to improve his command, particularly with his breaking balls, but should be ready to pitch out of an NPB rotation from year one with plenty of upside to tap into.

College Career Stats (2021-2024)

12. RHP Taito Murakami, Kobe Koryo Gakuen HS (Hyogo)

Age: 17, Height: 5-11, Weight: 170, Throws: L, Bats: S

Before high school, Murakami played catcher and a few other positions, but he transitioned to the hill as a freshman and became the team’s ace in the fall of his sophomore campaign. In his first start in the 2024 summer regionals, he took a no-hitter into the 9th inning and finished with an 11-strikeout complete game. The following game, he entered in relief and struck out five of the six batters he saw.

Despite being relatively new to pitching, he has clean mechanics and quick arm action. His fastball has good ride, and he’s committed to perfecting the pitch to resemble legendary closer Kyuji Fujikawa’s renowned “fireball.” His secondaries aren’t as refined, but he primarily relies on a slider and curveball. He also picked up a cutter, modeling it after 2023 Rakuten Eagles second-rounder Haruto Sakai. Murakami has already come a long way in just about 18 months of serious pitching and is one of the youngest prospects in the class, making him a very enticing raw arm talent.

High School Tournament Stats (2024 Summer)

13. OF Nikita Moiseev, Toyokawa HS (Aichi)

Age: 17, Height: 5-11, Weight: 190, Throws: L, Bats: L

An ethnic Russian born and raised in Aichi, Moiseev has the makings of a five-tool prospect, performing well at national tournaments. He hasn’t been exposed to much high-level competition and is quite aggressive at the plate but has exceptional strength, bench pressing 265 pounds and swatting homers with ease. Former Fighters/Japan manager Hideki Kuriyama praised him as a star in the making, and an MLB scout expressed great optimism for his future. If everything clicks, Moiseev could be the second coming of Yuki Yanagita.

High School Tournament Stats (2022-2024)

14. SS Hiroto Saitoh, Kanazawa HS (Ishikawa)

Age: 17, Height: 5-11, Weight: 170, Throws: R, Bats: R

Saitoh is a defensive standout with top-tier athleticism, footwork, and hands at shortstop. He also throws in the high-80s off the mound. As a hitter, he’s flashed plus power despite a slender build and has the speed to beat out many infield hits. His hit tool is a bit questionable, but he has a quick modern swing and makes a conscious effort to barrel pitches. It’ll take some time, but Saitoh has the potential to be a great all-around player.

High School Tournament Stats (2022-2024)

15. LHP Kazuto Tokuyama, International Pacific University

Age: 22, Height: 5-10, Weight: 190, Throws: L, Bats: L

Tokuyama’s fastball has carry and gets on hitters quickly, topping at 95 mph. It doesn’t have high spin, but he’s been measured with over 19 inches of IVB. He has fluid, repeatable mechanics and utilizes a gyro slider as his go-to secondary. He also has a slow curve and changeup. He missed the 2024 spring semester with an elbow injury. There are still some unanswered questions surrounding Tokuyama, but he’s posted excellent strikeout numbers in his limited innings at IPU and still has time to raise his draft stock.

College Career Stats (2022-2023)

16. RHP Naruki Teranishi, Nippon Sports Science University

Age: 21, Height: 6-1, Weight: 190, Throws: R, Bats: R

Teranishi is no stranger to the spotlight. He was selected to the U-15 national team in middle school, pitched at the Koshien multiple times in high school, and played in Europe for the collegiate national team this summer. He isn’t particularly overpowering with a low-90s fastball but has very good command. His forkball in the mid to high-80s is his best swing-and-miss weapon, and his cutter induces ground balls. Teranishi dealt with a pretty substantial shoulder injury in his senior year of high school, but he’s been consistent since returning and is a well-rounded arm with a higher floor.

College Career Stats (2023-2024)

17. OF Yusuke Mugitani, Fuji University

Age: 22, Height: 5-11, Weight: 185, Throws: R, Bats: L

Mugitani is a certified speed demon, swiping 29 bags in 60 league games with Fuji University, and has much more to offer with the bat than a typical slapster. He lets the pitch dictate his approach and regularly drives the ball the other way on outside pitches. There are some concerns about how he will handle better pitching, given that he’s only batted .206 in national tournament games against top competition. But he’s a rare power-speed threat and provides plus defense in the outfield with good range and a strong arm. If it all comes together, Mugitani will be a solid NPB center fielder.

College Career Stats (2021-2024)

18. 3B Tai Sasaki, Aoyama Gakuin University

Age: 21, Height: 5-11, Weight: 180, Throws: R, Bats: R

The captain of Aoyama Gakuin, Sasaki’s raw pop is special when he connects on the balls. The problem is actually making contact, as strikeouts have been an issue for him throughout his college career. He played at the 2023 Collegiate All-Star Series against Team USA but failed to record a hit in nine chances. Still, he’s homered off NPB talent in the past (Natsuki Takeuchi, Haruki Hosono, Yutaro Ishida, etc.) and has the potential to break through with a more refined approach. He’s also an above-average fielder at third and was clocked at 89 mph when he pitched in high school. Sasaki is a classic high-risk, high-reward prospect.

College Career Stats (2021-2024)

19. SS Shinjiro Uno, Waseda Vocational HS (Tokyo)

Age: 18, Height: 5-10, Weight: 175, Throws: R, Bats: R

Uno hit 64 homers with a wood bat in his high school tenure, showcasing exceptional power. He has a selective approach and draws many walks. At the 2024 Summer Koshien, he drove in three runs in the team’s opening match but went hitless in the next two contests. He was selected to the U-18 team and slashed .333/.412/.733 with four extra-base hits in six games at the Asia Championship, earning Best 9 honors at first base. He doesn’t have a clear home defensively, playing all around the infield, and is generally regarded as a bat-first player. Uno is a naturally gifted hitter with more to unlock with mechanical improvements.

High School Tournament Stats (2022-2024)

20. RHP Tsubasa Kobune, Chitoku HS (Shizuoka)

Age: 18, Height: 6-6, Weight: 245, Throws: R, Bats: R

Kobune is a physical specimen at 6-foot-6, 250 pounds. A Japanese pitcher of his size is unprecedented. The Kanagawa native has janky mechanics, inconsistent arm action, and doesn’t have a great feel for his secondaries yet, but he already throws up to 95 mph and has a very high ceiling.

High School Tournament Stats (2024)

21. C Haruto Hakoyama, Takasaki Health & Welfare HS (Gunma)

Age: 18, Height: 5-10, Weight: 185, Throws: R, Bats: R

Hakoyama is regarded as the top catcher of the class. He has a strong arm with a quick 1.8-second pop time to second base, exhibiting high baseball IQ and leadership qualities as team captain. He still has work to do defensively in other areas, but the foundation is there. He also improved as a hitter this year and has a low strikeout rate overall.

High School Koshien Stats (2023-2024)

22. OF Tsubasa Yoshino, Waseda University

Age: 22, Height: 5-11, Weight: 190, Throws: R, Bats: L

A well-rounded corner outfielder, Yoshino showcased his explosiveness in the fall of his junior year with an impressive .324/.479/.649 slash line in the Tokyo Big6 League. He’s very selective but has the ability to sit on a pitch and dispatch it deep into the stands with some of the best power of any amateur. He played in Prague and Haarlem for the collegiate national team this summer but struggled with a .212/.333/.303 slash and nine strikeouts in ten games.

College Career Stats (2021-2024)

23. C Taichi Inde, Waseda University

Age: 22, Height: 6-0, Weight: 200, Throws: R, Bats: R

A sturdy two-way catcher, Inde was selected to the collegiate national team in 2024 but went just 2 for 19 in Europe. Offensive inconsistency has also been his flaw at Waseda, but he’s shown what he’s capable of at his best with a .297/.316/.541 line in his sophomore fall semester and a .375/.455/.604 line in his senior spring semester. His lower launch angles make him more of a singles and doubles hitter, but he’s at least adequate with the stick in his hands and has professional-caliber arm strength behind the dish.

College Career Stats (2022-2024)

24. LHP Seiya Yoshida, Seino Transportation

Age: 22, Height: 5-9, Weight: 170, Throws: L, Bats: L

Yoshida immediately jumped into corporate ball out of high school with solid results, but he took a big step forward in 2024 and was named to the U-23 national squad. From an overhead slot, his top fastball velocity is 94 mph, but he’s typically more in the high-80s. His high-70s slider is his money pitch, measured at over 3,000 RPMs with significant break and whiff ability, leading to a high strikeout percentage. He also relies on a low-80s changeup against both lefties and righties.

Corporate Tournament Stats (2023-2024)

25. SS Tomoki Imasaka, Osaka Gakuin HS (Osaka)

Age: 17, Height: 5-10, Weight: 175, Throws: R, Bats: L

A speedy, glove-first shortstop, Imasaka has drawn the attention of many NPB scouts for his advanced defense and athleticism. In the summer of 2023, the Shimonoseki native demonstrated his exceptional base running ability with eight steals in just three regional tournament games. His quick bat speed and rotational torque can translate to plus game power.

High School Tournament Stats (2022-2024)

26. RHP Ryoma Tanaka, Asahikawa Vocational HS (Hokkaido)

Age: 17, Height: 5-10, Weight: 175, Throws: R, Bats: R

Hailing from one of Japan’s northernmost cities, Tanaka has overpowered the competition from a low release point and high vertical approach angle (VAA), adding deception to his low-90s four-seamer. This summer, he recorded double-digit strikeouts in four of his five starts during the summer regionals. His sharp, sweeping slider in the high-70s is his best weapon, and he also mixes in a curve and splitter.

High School Tournament Stats (2024)

27. RHP Daiki Shimizu, Maebashi Commercial HS (Gunma)

Age: 18, Height: 6-4, Weight: 205, Throws: R, Bats: R

Shimizu helped his school to the 2023 Summer Koshien and nearly did it again in 2024 before falling apart in the regional finals with seven walks. His inconsistent command makes him seem more like a thrower than a pitcher right now, but his fastball, which sits in the low-90s, has late life, and he offers a good selection of breaking balls, including a slider, curveball, and splitter, which he throws much harder than most prepsters.

High School Tournament Stats (2024)

28. LHP Takato Ihara, NTT West Japan

Age: 24, Height: 5-7, Weight: 165, Throws: L, Bats: L

Ihara put up an impressive 0.91 ERA with 143 strikeouts in 139 career frames at Osaka University of Commerce. Despite the dominance, he went undrafted in 2022, partially due to being undersized. He joined the corporate league team NTT West Japan in 2023 and has continued to grow, finally garnering more professional interest. Though his fastball only sits 90-92, it has 2,500+ RPMs with good IVB. He has a good feel for his deep arsenal consisting of a slider, cutter, curveball, and splitter with a deceptively slingy, compact delivery.

Corporate Tournament Stats (2023)

29. RHP Toya Kawaguchi, Tokushima Indigo Sox

Age: 24, Height: 6-2, Weight: 190, Throws: R, Bats: R

This year’s class isn’t as deep with indy ball talent, but Kawaguchi’s stuff is special. This year, Tokushima Indigo Sox right-hander started as a closer, topping at 96 mph, before converting to a starter mid-season. He’s been a strikeout machine, coupling his cutty fastball with a devastating forkball in the high-80s and gyro slider in the high-70s. He also has above-average command and simple mechanics, making him an immediate NPB bullpen option.

Independent League Stats (2024)

30. RHP Sorato Kawakatsu, Seiko Gakuen HS (Tokushima)

Age: 17, Height: 5-11, Weight: 185, Throws: R, Bats: R

Kawakatsu dealt with an elbow injury this year and had trouble finding the strike zone in his limited innings. He puts his full body into a violent delivery, raising concerns about his long-term health and reliever risk. But what initially put Kawakatsu on the radar was his big fastball. He’s maxed at 95 mph before the injury and has the build to keep adding velocity, making him a high-risk, high-reward pure arm talent. He also has a sweeping slider, hard splitter, and curveball, though the secondaries are a major work in progress.

High School Tournament Stats (2023 Fall)

Other Notable Names to Watch