The Los Angeles Dodgers have become a magnet for Japanese baseball talent, recently securing commitments from stars like Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki, even outbidding other interested teams. This trend follows Shohei Ohtani's decision to join the Dodgers before the 2024 season. While other teams have signed Japanese players, Yamamoto and Sasaki represent the most significant pitching prospects since Masahiro Tanaka joined the Yankees in 2014.

New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga, who signed a substantial contract with the Mets before the 2023 season, offered a candid perspective on this trend during spring training. When asked how the Mets could attract more Japanese players, Senga pointed to the California climate as a major factor, suggesting the Mets "need to build a roof." This comment echoes previous discussions about a potential roof for the Mets' stadium, a costly project estimated at $800 million that owner Steve Cohen has deemed too expensive.

While Senga’s comments highlight the appeal of Los Angeles, it's worth noting that the Toronto Blue Jays, who also have a domed stadium, were outbid by the Dodgers for Sasaki. This suggests factors beyond weather are at play. The influx of Japanese talent to MLB continues, with players like Munetaka Murakami expected to join the league soon, further enriching the baseball landscape. Currently, there are 15 Japanese-born players in the major leagues, the latest being Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga.