Could the Reds sign Naoyuki Uwasawa out of Japan?

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Naoyuki Uwasawa recently made headlines by announcing his intention to pitch in Major League Baseball in 2024. During a press conference over the weekend, the 29-year-old revealed his plans, attracting interest from teams like the Cincinnati Reds, who scouted him in September after his season with the Nippon Ham-Fighters, as reported by Sports Hochi.

In the previous season, Uwasawa pitched in 24 games, tallying an impressive 170.0 innings. He maintained a solid ERA of 2.96, conceding just 152 hits, issuing only 41 walks, and accumulating 124 strikeouts. Over his nine-year career in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), Uwasawa has amassed an impressive record, throwing 1118.1 innings with a 3.19 ERA.

Although Uwasawa isn’t known for being a high-strikeout pitcher, his ability to consistently throw strikes and limit walks makes him a reliable asset. As a right-handed pitcher, his fastball velocity sits slightly below the MLB average, usually clocking around 91 MPH when starting games.

It’s important to note that Uwasawa is not currently a free agent. To sign him, a team would need to pay not only his salary but also a posting fee. Once posted, he has 45 days to reach an agreement with an MLB team. If he fails to do so, he will remain with the Nippon Ham-Fighters for the 2024 season.

The amount of the posting fee depends on Uwasawa’s contract. If he signs for less than $25,000,000, the signing team would owe a posting fee equal to 20% of his deal. The fee increases with higher contract amounts. For more detailed information, you can refer to the breakdown provided.

Considering his pitching repertoire, Uwasawa is most likely suited as a back-end rotation starter if things go well. Whether the Cincinnati Reds would benefit from his addition remains an open question. Currently lacking a pitcher with a full season’s worth of MLB innings on their roster, the team could use additional starting pitching depth. Uwasawa’s history of throwing substantial innings makes him an intriguing option.

However, it’s crucial to consider the potential upgrade he would provide. With the Reds’ payroll standing at just over $37,000,000, they have an opportunity to pursue a pitcher who could potentially slot in as a middle or even top-of-the-rotation talent. Securing such a pitcher would likely come at a higher cost, but it would also offer more certainty due to their established track record in the major leagues.