Tampa, Florida — October 25, 2025

The Empire League Japan Showcase Platform continues to make a major impact on professional baseball, producing some of the most exciting Japanese talent to compete in America. As an innovative online recruitment system that connects players from Japan with opportunities in the Empire Baseball League (EBL) each summer, the program is proving to be a powerful bridge between international prospects and professional contracts.

Over the past four years, standout athletes such as outfielder Hiroki Itakura, infielder Katzuya Arai, Power Bat Wataru Kumagai and ambidextrous pitcher Mizuki Akatsuka have successfully transitioned from the Empire League to contracts in the Frontier League, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in developing professional-level players.

This year’s spotlight belongs to Ryoh Satoh, who captured the Empire League MVP title for the 2025 season. His performance has placed him firmly on the radar of scouts and executives, with multiple teams expected to compete for his signing ahead of the 2026 season.

With demand for Japanese players on the rise, the Empire League Baseball (EBL) organization plans to expand its reach even further. In preparation for 2026, the league is scheduling private international tryouts in Japan, Canada, and the United States, designed to identify and contract the next wave of Japanese prospects ready to make their mark in professional baseball.

For more information and updates on upcoming international tryouts, visit EmpireProLeague.com