Toronto Blue Jays Reportedly Sign Japanese Righty Shun Yamaguchi
By Adam Weinrib
This year's international postings have seemingly occurred on an uncoordinated schedule, and the latest endeavor was completed almost as soon as we all learned of its existence.
Per Ken Rosenthal, the Toronto Blue Jays have signed Japanese hurler Shun Yamaguchi, a right-handed splitter specialist.
#BlueJays’ deal with RHP Shun Yamaguchi is for two years and just over $6M, plus performance bonuses. Pending a physical.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 17, 2019
Blue Jays fans shouldn't get too worked up over the move; it's impressively cheap, and the expectations for the 32-year-old former Yokohama BayStar should be quite low.
He may compete for a fifth-starter role with Ryan Borucki, Thomas Pannone, and the like, or he might just be a bullpen weapon against hitters on both sides (thanks to the three-batter rule, Yamaguchi just increased in value!).
Chance for Yamaguchi to be No. 5 starter, but #BlueJays believe more likely role might be in bullpen. Split-fingered fastball is his principal weapon, useful against both RH and LH hitters.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 17, 2019
Yamaguchi is coming off perhaps his finest season for the Yomiuri Giants, piling up a 15-4 record with a 2.91 ERA and 188 strikeouts over 170 innings.
Whether he factors in significantly or serves as depth, there's really no bad two-year, $6 million deal for a man who may be hitting his creative peak.