Nationals World Series Champ Gerardo Parra Signs With Japan's Yomiuri Giants
By Michael Luciano
Baby Shark is heading across the Pacific and will join Japan's most legendary club.
Indeed, 32-year-old outfielder Gerardo Parra, who served as the Washington Nationals' fourth outfielder during their title run in 2019, has signed with Tokyo's Yomirui Giants, agreeing on a one-year, $2 million deal with a $3 million vesting option.
Gerardo Parra has agreed with Yomiuri Giants in Japanese baseball. $ 2 MM guaranteed and $ 500 K on bonuses for one year and a $ 3 MM vesting option. #MLB #YomiuriGiants #Japan #Baseball @JeffPassan
— José F. Rivera (@josefriverap) November 20, 2019
A two-time gold glove winner win his six seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks and a quality role player for three years on some solid Colorado Rockies teams, Parra's MLB prospects were looking pretty grim after he was released by the San Francisco Giants earlier this year.
Washington scooped him up, and he immediately turned back the clock, hitting eight home runs and posting 42 RBI in just 89 games, while serving as a valuable piece of depth for the likes of Adam Eaton and Victor Robles, as he could be just as effective at the dish without sacrificing defense.
Gerardo Parra has signed with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan, the Giants announced. The veteran outfielder was crucial for the Nats this season as he developed Soto’s and Robles’ defense, delivered timely hits and helped transform the clubhouse.
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) November 20, 2019
Baby Shark has gone international.
Parra proved that he has plenty left in the tank, but it appears he wants to go be a star in Japan as opposed to a backup in the states. Hopefully this isn't the end of Parra's MLB journey.