On one hand, Yuki Yanagita will be one of the most well-paid players in Japan next season. On the other, he¡¯ll be kind of a steal.

While Shohei Ohtani didn¡¯t go to the majors for money, Yanagita¡¯s new NPB deal with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks illustrates why it can be such a motivating factor for other players looking to make the move.

Granted, there is an ocean of difference in the way MLB and NPB clubs are run. So it¡¯s hard to compare the compensation structures apples to apples. But in just terms of cold, hard cash, the difference is as wide as the Pacific Ocean.