Slugger Wily Mo Pena is hoping to land an MLB contract for the 2015 season, MLBTR’s Tim Dierkes reports on Twitter. Soon to turn 33, Pena — who last saw MLB action in 2011 — has received interest from at least three clubs to date.
Since leaving North American baseball behind before the 2012 season, Pena has become one of the better power hitters in Japan. After a strong performance in his first season, he struggled in limited action last year. But Pena has rebounded to post a .260/.360/.514 slash with 28 home runs over 472 plate appearances in 2014. More impressively, perhaps, he has brought his strikeout-to-walk ratio (98 K against 56 BB) down to career-best levels.
Pena was said to have had options for playing in the states over the offseason, but chose instead to join Nippon Professional Baseball’s Orix Buffaloes. (His first two years in Japan were spent with the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks.) Despite his impressive power, Pena never firmly established himself as an everyday player at the MLB level. He has seen action in eight campaigns, swatting 84 long balls and slashing .250/.303/.445 across 1,845 turns at the plate.
Not bad, I’m looking forward to a little mo Willy Mo in the MLB
Has Rube Amaro written all over it.
Yesssssssss.
I remember when he was on the sox, he reminded me of Pedro Cerrano from major league. Throw him a Fastball and that sucker would leave the park in record time, throw him anything else and he waved at it like he couldn’t even see it. Too bad he couldn’t really put it together.
The book on Wily Mo was always pretty simple. “lots of curves and sliders in the dirt.” Apparently he can hit the “elusive Shutto” though.
I just can’t see him getting a major league contract. Nice numbers, but those are minor league numbers for all intents and purposes
If Grady Sizemore could get one, why can’t Willy Mo?
Sizemore was a former MVP candidate who’s injuries derailed his career. He was given a major league contract one year after his last with Indians. Wily Mo hasn’t played in the majors since 2011 and hasn’t been regarded as anywhere near a full time player since 2006. I don’t think it’s fair to compare the two…
Grady Sizemore actually had a Major League Track record and never actually put up bad numbers. His issue was injury. If he could stay healthy the assumption would be he would be productive. Wily Mo has proven he has the ability to not be productive
I still cant get over the Bronson Arroyo trade; cubs should sign him…
Pena, did he ever learn the strike zone?
Rangers should give him a shot. They’ve been so bad that anyone who can hit 20 HR’s has a chance.
At first I though the guy was perfect for the Indians, but the problem is that he’s a right-handed power hitter. The Indians only want left-handed slap hitters.
Is this April 1st or something? Not sure if I’m surprised he’s still around, or that he’s still only 32?
The Home Run Derby format should be changed to a two man showcase featuring Wily Mo Pena and Giancarlo Stanton. Getcha popcorn ready!
Batting 5th for the NY Mets LF Wily Mo Pena
Willy No Mo Pena
One of Lucchino and Co.’s greatest decisions.