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Japanese stars who, of course, has a tonne of fantastic MLB experience—are the focus of a lot of attention this summer. The last two pitchers are capable of starting in a major league rotation.
While the Cubs definitely need help with their rotation, they also need to strengthen their bullpen, which played a major role in their collapse in September of last year.
At the end of October, Yuki Matsui turned 28 years old. He will be a valuable addition to the Cubs pen. After spending ten seasons in the NPB, Matsui was able to exercise his right as an international free agency, and according to MLB Trade Rumours, he wants to join the league.
Matsui has 236 saves, a 2.40 ERA, and a 1.108 WHIP over ten seasons in the NPB. He has been essentially lights out for Rakuten over the last three years, with a 1.42 ERA and 0.882 WHIP across 155 games spanning 152 innings. During that time, he has recorded 95 saves, struck out 214 batters, and walked 53. Being left-handed is usually advantageous in an MLB bullpen.
All of those are amazing figures! Naturally, in MLB, all of them will probably be a little worse. However, Matsui (28 years old) could evaluate the two-year contract MLBTR offers him. They claim two years and sixteen million dollars, and I don’t think that’s excessive. MLBTR comments: There are certain concerns about Matsui. His listed weight of 167 pounds and 5’8″ may worry some organisations due to his tiny build. MLBTR spoke with a variety of evaluators, and one of them characterised his profile as being highlighted by an above-average slider and a deceptive delivery. Even with his youth, he still has two or three years left.
With “an above-average slider and a deceptive delivery,” the Cubs may take a gamble on him for two years and $16 million. Although close in Japan differs slightly from closing in Major League Baseball, Matsui does have all those saves, so the Cubs may even utilise him in that capacity as Adbert Alzolay’s backup. Either way, the Cubs could be able to acquire quality relief here for a far lower price than, say, Josh Hader.
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