The Baltimore Orioles are reportedly set to acquire rookie right-handed pitcher Shintaro Fujinami from the Oakland Athletics. The deal was initially reported by MLB Network insider Jon Heyman and MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. According to Heyman, the A’s will get Triple-A lefty pitcher Easton Lucas in return.
TRADE: The Baltimore Orioles are acquiring Shintaro Fujinami from the Oakland A’s, per @JonHeyman pic.twitter.com/MxzI1Lkr3V
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 19, 2023
Orioles Acquire Rookie Pitcher
Fujinami Improving as the Year Goes On
It is admittedly a bit misleading to call Fujinami a rookie. While it is his first year in the majors, he spent 10 seasons with the Hanshin Tigers of NPB. Despite his rookie status, the 29-year-old will bring some experience to a young Orioles roster looking to contend.
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Fujinami began the season as a starter for the A’s, a role in which he struggled mightily. After only four starts, he was moved to the bullpen. He has started three games since then, but only in an “opener” capacity. For the season, Fujinami’s stats are less than impressive. In 34 games and 49 1/3 innings, he sports a 5-8 record with an 8.57 ERA, a 1.662 WHIP, a 4.94 FIP, and an ERA+ of 48. Having said that, he has improved a lot since the start of June. He pitched to a 3.97 ERA in June and has a 2.25 ERA so far in July after living in double digits the first two months.
Lucas Headed to the Bay
As for Oakland’s return, Lucas is a 26-year-old lefty reliever originally drafted by the Miami Marlins in 2019. This season, he has a combined ERA of 2.73 in 20 games between Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk. He has struggled a bit more since his promotion to Triple-A, but Oakland will have a long window to develop him as a reliever.
A Trade Made in Heaven
This is exactly the type of deal to expect more of as the trade deadline approaches. Two teams heading in opposite directions usually make for good trade partners. The Orioles look poised to make their first postseason since 2016, while the A’s are having a season to forget. It is unknown whether the O’s will experiment with making Fujinami a starter again or keep him in a relief role. Wherever he fits in, the fact he appears to be getting used to pitching in the majors is a good sign for Baltimore. Pitching can usually decide a team’s fate in October, and Fujinami, who can throw up to 102 mph, can be a big help for the Birds.
Photo Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
Players Mentioned: Shintaro Fujinami, Easton Lucas
