With the NPB season set to begin on March 21, it won't be long before players are back in uniform and training with their teams in preparation for 2020.

In addition to getting ready for the new campaign, a handful of NPB stars will also be preparing to put the finishing touches on some career milestones.

At the top of the list are Hanshin Tigers veteran Kosuke Fukudome and Yomiuri Giants captain Hayato Sakamoto, who each have a shot to join the venerated 2,000-hit club this season. At present, only 52 players have reached the mark solely in Japanese baseball.