All articles tagged with #japanese pitcher
Originally Published 9 days ago — by NBC News
Tatsuya Imai, a Japanese pitcher, has agreed to a $54 million, three-year contract with the Houston Astros, including performance-based escalators and opt-out options, making him one of the highest-paid Japanese pitchers in MLB history.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Athletic
Shota Imanaga, a Japanese pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, made his Cactus League debut, aiming to adjust his fastball for success in the MLB. While his performance in the game is not a major evaluation point, his ability to control his fastball and make adjustments will be crucial. The Cubs are working with him to change his mindset with the fastball and improve his pitch location, aiming for him to become a strong No. 2 in their rotation and make a significant impact in the upcoming season.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by ESPN
Shota Imanaga, the Japanese left-hander for the Chicago Cubs, described his major league spring training debut as a "learning experience" after giving up a three-run home run to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite the setback, he struck out five batters and expressed a desire to adapt to the differences in pitching between Japan and the U.S. Imanaga, who signed a four-year, $53 million deal with the Cubs, aims to adjust to the more frequent pitching schedule in the MLB and improve his performance in future games.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Los Angeles Times
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Dodgers' new $325 million Japanese star, impressed teammates and opponents alike with his pinpoint command, notable velocity, and wide-ranging arsenal during his first live batting practice of the spring. His deceptive delivery and unique pitching style left established MLB stars such as Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts in awe, with Freeman describing Yamamoto's performance as "incredible." Despite uncertainties surrounding his transition to American baseball, Yamamoto's strong showing has bolstered confidence in his potential as a frontline starter for the Dodgers.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by CBS Sports
Japanese pitcher Shota Imanaga has signed a four-year, $53 million deal with the Chicago Cubs, with options to extend to $80 million over five years. The 30-year-old, who has excelled in the Nippon Professional Baseball league, is known for his fastball and slider. The Cubs will owe a substantial posting fee to Imanaga's former club, the Yokohama BayStars. He is expected to join the Cubs' rotation alongside Justin Steele, Kyle Hendricks, and Jameson Taillon.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by CBS Sports
Japanese pitcher Shota Imanaga has reached a "complicated" deal with the Chicago Cubs, featuring an average annual value of $15 million. With eight years of experience in the Nippon Professional Baseball league, Imanaga is known for his impressive pitching stats but also for allowing a relatively high number of home runs. He is expected to join the Cubs' rotation for the 2024 season, adding depth to the team's pitching staff.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Athletic
The Chicago Cubs are working to finalize a deal with Japanese free-agent pitcher Shota Imanaga before Thursday’s deadline, with optimism that a contract will be signed. Imanaga, a 30-year-old lefty, has been one of Japan's top starting pitchers and is expected to command a substantial contract in the MLB. His potential signing comes as the Cubs seek to bolster their rotation following the departure of Marcus Stroman and aim to make substantial improvements after narrowly missing the playoffs last season.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by New York Post
Japanese pitcher Shota Imanaga has agreed to a deal with the Chicago Cubs, pending a physical, after drawing interest from the Mets and Yankees. The terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed. Known as "The throwing Philosopher," Imanaga has a career record of 64-50 with a 3.18 ERA in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball and has represented Japan in the World Baseball Classic. The Cubs, who have had a relatively uneventful offseason, are adding Imanaga to their pitching rotation as a replacement for Marcus Stroman, who became a free agent.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Athletic
The Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to a 12-year, $325 million contract with Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, breaking the record for the largest sum guaranteed to a Japanese arrival and surpassing Gerrit Cole's contract for the largest deal ever awarded to a pitcher. Yamamoto, described as one of the most talented pitchers on the planet, has dominated Nippon Professional Baseball and is projected to be a big-league staff ace. Despite his smaller frame, Yamamoto's unique pitch characteristics and command have impressed MLB executives. The Dodgers are betting on his potential and are confident in his ability to succeed in the major leagues.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Deadline
The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto to a 12-year, $325 million deal, surpassing Gerrit Cole's record-breaking contract. Yamamoto, a three-time winner of Japan's Cy Young Award, was highly sought after by several big market teams. The Dodgers' signing of Yamamoto follows their earlier blockbuster deal with Shohei Ohtani, bringing their total commitment to over a billion dollars for just two players.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by MLB.com
The San Diego Padres are reportedly close to finalizing a multi-year agreement with Japanese reliever Yuki Matsui. The 28-year-old left-hander has had an impressive career as a closer for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, recording a 2.40 ERA across 10 seasons. Matsui is known for his dominant splitter and fastball, although his walk rate has been a concern. If the deal goes through, Matsui would join the Padres' efforts to bolster their pitching staff this offseason.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by CBS Sports
Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto is expected to sign a record-breaking contract with an MLB team, with multiple sources predicting the bidding to exceed $300 million. Yamamoto, known for his unmatched track record and youth at just 25 years old, has garnered interest from teams like the New York Mets, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, and more. His success in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league, along with the history of successful transfers from NPB to MLB, has instilled confidence in teams willing to invest heavily in him. With his impressive pitching arsenal and ability to command his pitches, Yamamoto is seen as a safe bet for future success in the major leagues.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by ESPN
Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto throws a no-hitter for the Orix Buffaloes, striking out eight, walking one, and hitting one batter in a 4-0 victory over the Lotte Marines. With several MLB executives, including New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman, in attendance, Yamamoto extends his scoreless streak to 42 innings and improves his season record to 14-5 with a 1.26 ERA. The 25-year-old right-hander is expected to be posted to major league teams in the offseason.