Toronto Blue Jays Sign Japanese Pitcher Shun Yamaguchi
The Toronto Blue Jays signed Japanese pitcher Shun Yamaguchi. The contract is for two years worth six million dollars. The Blue Jays will also pay a posting fee of 1.2 million dollars to the Yomiuri Giants. The contract is pending Yamaguchi passing a physical.
#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
The Profile on Shun Yamaguchi
Shun Yamaguchi was taken in the first round of the 2005 Nippon Professional Baseball draft by the Yokohama BayStars. Yamaguchi played for the BayStars from 2006 through 2016. In 2017 Yamaguchi signed with the Yomiuri Giants. The right-handed throwing Yamaguchi started his career as a relief pitcher. He has been mostly a starting pitcher since 2015.
From 2009 through 2012 Yamaguchi saved 104 games. After a bad 2013 season, Yamaguchi began his transition to being a starting pitcher. In 2016 Yamaguchi started to come into his own as a starting pitcher. He had an 11-5 record with a 3.86 ERA. In 2017 Yamaguchi had only four starts. Yamaguchi was suspended for half the season after being charged with assault on a hospital security guard. He also caused damage to hospital property. Yamaguchi was intoxicated during the incident.
Yamaguchi’s Stats
Yamaguchi had his best season in 2019. He went 16-4 with a 2.78 ERA and a 1.171 WHIP. In 181 innings Yamaguchi struck out 194 batters. Yamaguchi’s fastball averages 90 MPH. He also has a forkball and a slider.
For his career, Yamaguchi in 14 seasons had a 65-58 record with a 3.33 ERA and a 1.243 WHIP. In 1,093 innings Yamaguchi struck out 1,061 batters. Yamaguchi also has 112 saves. In 90 career starts Yamaguchi had 16 complete games and seven shutouts.
Blue Jays Outlook
Despite being a starting pitcher in the last few seasons Yamaguchi might be used out of the bullpen. After signing Tanner Roark and trading for Chase Anderson the Blue Jays suddenly have a crowded starting pitching crop. Matt Shoemaker and Trent Thornton will likely be in the starting rotation. The last spot could go to rookie Anthony Kay. Kay was one of the pitchers the Blue Jays got in the Marcus Stroman trade. Ryan Borucki and Jacob Waguespack also will be considered.
The Blue Jays have the young offensive talent in place. Now its time to improve the pitching. With a few big-name starting pitchers still available the Blue Jays can make a bold move in signing one. Winning the division is definitely out of reach. But the Blue Jays can make a run in the wild card race if the get consistent pitching.
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
