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Yuki Matsui To Explore Signing With MLB Teams

By Mark Polishuk | October 14, 2023 at 11:13pm CDT

Star closer Yuki Matsui looks to be interested in a potential move to Major League Baseball, as a Yahoo Japan report (Japanese language link) indicates that Matsui has exercised his international free agent rights, as well as his rights to freely negotiate with other Nippon Professional Baseball clubs.

Matsui doesn’t turn 28 until later this month, but he has already accumulated 10 seasons with the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles.  As a result, the left-hander is a full free agent, and can be signed by MLB teams without an additional posting fee to the Eagles.  His age and experience also make him exempt from MLB’s international bonus pool structure.

It isn’t necessarily a sure thing that Matsui is headed to North America, as the Eagles are reportedly set to offer him a four-year contract worth $1.6 billion yen (roughly $10.7MM in USD) to remain in the fold.  However, Matsui has hired WME’s Bryan Minniti as an agent, which could hint that the southpaw is more interested in seeing what Major League teams have to offer.  Minniti has recently moved into the representation arena after a long front office career that included stints as an assistant GM with the Phillies, Diamondbacks, and Nationals.

At least nine Major League clubs have already scouted Matsui, including the Padres, Red Sox, Cubs, and Yankees.  It isn’t surprising that there is significant interest in a pitcher who is hitting the market at such a relatively young age, and who has already amassed such an impressive resume in Nippon Professional Baseball and on the international stage.  Matsui was a member of Japan’s championship team at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, though he only made one appearance during the tournament, throwing a scoreless inning.

Over 501 career games with the Eagles, Matsui has a 2.40 ERA and 236 saves, and the five-time NPB All-Star is the youngest player in league history to reach the 200-save threshold.  He has worked out of the bullpen for almost his entire career, except for his 2014 rookie season and during a brief return to rotation work during the pandemic-affected 2020 NPB season.  Matsui’s usage has also been somewhat impacted by the Eagles’ struggles, as the team has mostly posted mostly losing records during the southpaw’s tenure.  With a 10.9% walk rate over his career in Japan, control has occasionally been an issue for Matsui, though his 31.85% strikeout rate indicates that his ability to miss bats isn’t in question.

Readers of MLBTR’s NPB Players To Watch feature are quite familiar with Matsui’s name, as Dai Takegami Podziewski had frequently highlighted the closer throughout the 2023 season.  Matsui had a dominant 1.57 ERA over 57 1/3 innings for the Eagles this season, and Dai noted that Matsui made the splitter a much heavier part of his pitching arsenal, perhaps as a bit of a showcase for MLB evaluators.

However, Matsui’s small role in the WBC could have been due to reported difficulty he had throwing the WBC ball, which was larger than the standard ball used in NPB play and closer to the type of baseball used in the majors.  More broadly, Matsui has a relatively small frame (5’8″ and 167 pounds), so scouts may have concerns over how he might hold up over the long term, even if he has been pretty durable during his time with the Eagles.

This winter’s market for left-handed relievers has some interesting names, headlined by ace closer Josh Hader.  Matsui immediately becomes an intriguing new name in this group, as at least a candidate for high-leverage innings if perhaps not strictly a saves specialist.

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2023-24 MLB Free Agents Boston Red Sox Chicago Cubs New York Yankees Nippon Professional Baseball San Diego Padres Bryan Minniti Yuki Matsui

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View Comments (70)
Post a Comment

70 Comments

  1. In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani

    2 years ago

    A saves specialist is commonly refered to as a closer in MLB. Look it up.

    Texas should in in on him.

    8
    Reply
    • In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani

      2 years ago

      *be in on him

      1
      Reply
    • Hemlock

      2 years ago

      > Texas should in in on him.

      That sounds…ouch…what??

      YOU WANT THE ENTIRE STATE OF TEXAS TO DO WHAT TO THAT POOR MAN?!?!?

      6
      Reply
    • Noah Daube-Valois

      2 years ago

      No need to be negative. And ouch, that username has not aged well. (Look it up)

      2
      Reply
      • In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani

        2 years ago

        This username has been there for a week or so…

        1
        Reply
      • DarkSide830

        2 years ago

        Yeah, he actually just added that part for some reason.

        2
        Reply
    • jesseglaubitz

      2 years ago

      I want the Mets to sign Yamamoto, for sure. But if I had to pick I think they need Matsui more.

      2
      Reply
      • rct

        2 years ago

        Mets need Yamamoto more, imo. Good relievers are cheaper and easier to find than starting pitching, which the Mets need a lot of.

        Reply
    • Cora the Destroya

      2 years ago

      I don’t know, closers are tough. You better hope he adjusts well to playing MLB. Either way, he could be a reliever too.

      Reply
  2. miltpappas

    2 years ago

    517 games. 12 K/9 iIP. I predict “forearm tightness” within a year.

    10
    Reply
    • Hemlock

      2 years ago

      Don’t worry, we’ve got a Tommy for that!

      3
      Reply
    • mlb1225

      2 years ago

      I’d be concerned if Matsui was a flamethrower, but he sits 92-94 according to FanGraphs.

      4
      Reply
    • gbs42

      2 years ago

      I would view 517 games without TJS as a positive sign.

      3
      Reply
    • itsgonnahappen

      2 years ago

      Especially throwing a larger ball.

      Reply
  3. This one belongs to the Reds

    2 years ago

    The walks are a bit concerning for a closer or lefty setup guy type.

    3
    Reply
  4. PutPeteinthehall

    2 years ago

    A little bit of a concern about the baseball size in the US being larger.

    7
    Reply
    • LordD99

      2 years ago

      I believe they standardized on using the same size baseball as MLB a few years back.

      Reply
      • Hemlock

        2 years ago

        > the same size baseball as MLB

        Incorrect

        99baseballs.com/equipment/guide-to-baseballs-used-…

        Also, Wikipedia

        MLB uses a standardized ball manufactured by Rawlings.[1] Its seams are rather flat, and it is prepared for use by rubbing it with a special mud to reduce the slipperiness of the new leather.[1] For a long period there was no standard ball in NPB, but currently a standard ball manufactured by Mizuno is used across all teams in the league.[1] The NPB ball is slightly smaller than its MLB equivalent and has better grip, making it easier to manipulate and spin.[1]

        Source—
        en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Major_League…

        Reply
    • Ham Fighter

      2 years ago

      Half an inch larger

      Reply
      • itsmeheyhii

        2 years ago

        Youre just setting it up…

        Reply
  5. Jake1972

    2 years ago

    I say he stays in Japan.

    3
    Reply
    • Blue Baron

      2 years ago

      What’s it to you?

      Reply
      • Dolla Bill

        2 years ago

        @Baron Touche.

        1
        Reply
      • Jake1972

        2 years ago

        It’s a rumor site and I am giving my opinion on the subject, so do you have an issue with what I wrote and if so then explain.

        The guy is undersized and will most likely be a flop in the States, but if you feel my right to express my opinion on the subject shouldn’t be allowed then please let the site management know and have them banned me.

        7
        Reply
        • Blue Baron

          2 years ago

          You have every right to express it.

          I just have no idea how it affects you and why it matters to you.

          Reply
        • dugmet

          2 years ago

          Stroman (5’7”) was a first round pick. David Peterson (6’6”) was a first round pick. Pick one to be on your staff.

          Reply
        • deepseamonster32

          2 years ago

          Stroman needs to play for Houston

          Reply
        • Blue Baron

          2 years ago

          Why?

          Reply
        • JoeBrady

          2 years ago

          I just have no idea how Jake’s opinion affects you and why it matters to you.

          1
          Reply
        • Blue Baron

          2 years ago

          It doesn’t.

          Why does it matter to you?

          Reply
  6. Blue Baron

    2 years ago

    Where on the site can we access this NPB category? It’s not easy to find via searching.

    2
    Reply
    • Mark Polishuk

      2 years ago

      Dai’s NPB pieces can be found here
      mlbtraderumors.com/npb-to-mlb

      3
      Reply
    • CravenMoorehead

      2 years ago

      Under his bio it says “More Matsui pages”. Click on that and it’ll show you a link to his Japanese stats.

      3
      Reply
    • Jake1972

      2 years ago

      Click his name and the Stats are there.

      1
      Reply
  7. niel.marshal

    2 years ago

    No mention about Roberto Osuna? Dude pitch great this season, 0.92 ERA in 49 IP.

    3
    Reply
    • In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani

      2 years ago

      Probably due to rumors of relationship issues

      2
      Reply
  8. CrikesAlready

    2 years ago

    He’s 5’8″/167lbs. I don’t see that being conducive for a long, healthy career.

    Quick, how tall was Tim Lincecum? (5’11″/170lbs) Scouts predicted his issues, but they took a long time to develop.

    2
    Reply
    • avenger65

      2 years ago

      501 games in ten seasons? Sounds pretty durable to me.

      2
      Reply
    • PiratesFan1981

      2 years ago

      @crikes that is unfair to any “short” pitcher. Marcus Stroman is 5”7 180 pounds and one of the top pitchers in this years 2023 free agency. Stroman is an inch shorter and 23 pounds heavier. Matt Bush of the Texas Rangers is 5”9. Matsui sits in-between them in height. The only real concern is the inability to pitch with a MLB ball. Small hands?

      2
      Reply
    • Ejemp2006

      2 years ago

      The dude is already 28. He probably only has 3-5 more years of good baseball, regardless of frame.

      1
      Reply
      • PiratesFan1981

        2 years ago

        That is funny stuff there. Thumbs down if I could

        2
        Reply
      • Blue Baron

        2 years ago

        @Ejemp2006: Unless, of course, he has more. You really have no way of knowing.

        1
        Reply
        • Ejemp2006

          2 years ago

          I do not think its very controversial to say players typically peak around age 28 and then start a steep decline after age 32. Examples to the contrary are outliers.
          This guy seems very Red Soxy. I predict they give him 5/40. Thats more than he has left on the table in Japan and the Sox can afford this type of high upside risk.

          Reply
    • Jarred Kelenic's Beer Can

      2 years ago

      If you have good mechanics, your body size doesn’t matter.

      Reply
      • PiratesFan1981

        2 years ago

        @jarred I agree with you on this. But he couldn’t pitch in the World Classic. The ball was much bigger than what he is accustomed to. That does raise a bit of concern. Someone will take a flyer on him and wouldn’t be surprised if it’s Mariners who sign him. Much like what they did with Ichiro, matsui could be “a diamond in the rough”. Some team will gamble on Matsui. I hope it works out for both parties

        Reply
    • JoeBrady

      2 years ago

      Scouts predicted his issues, but they took a long time to develop.
      ========================
      It’s like drafting a small WR in FB in late rounds. If he produces for 4 seasons, and can no longer produce, what does it matter?

      1
      Reply
  9. Old York

    2 years ago

    Not terrible, given his K-BB% sits at 22 but it’s still concerning that he’s walking about 11% of the batters faced.

    His kwERA sits at 2.77 while his ERA sits at 2.43. Given the transition to the MLB, I could see some regression coming, possibly with an ERA in the 3+ range. Not sure I’d want him in a closer role but could see him as a 7th/8th inning guy and if he proves himself to be better, could move him into the closer role.

    2
    Reply
  10. tonyinsingapore

    2 years ago

    Yamamoto and JH Lee are smaller players, by MLB standards…. Ohtani and Darvish are big guys….

    4
    Reply
  11. Bart Harley Jarvis

    2 years ago

    DD/Phillies will sign him.

    1
    Reply
    • In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani

      2 years ago

      Why did you block me?

      1
      Reply
      • Bart Harley Jarvis

        2 years ago

        Apparently, unintended technical difficulties.

        2
        Reply
        • In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani

          2 years ago

          You know I was recently deGrom Texas Ranger, right?

          2
          Reply
        • TrotNixonIsMyHero

          2 years ago

          Were you? I’m happy for you that you felt the need to change your name and I hope you feel more at peace with your “identity”.
          Now let’s talk baseball!

          4
          Reply
        • In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani

          2 years ago

          Texas is finally deep in the playoofs again. I usually tune out once Texas is eliminated and just see the end result. Last year, though, I was rooting for the Philies and watched a bit.

          1
          Reply
        • whyhayzee

          2 years ago

          I love your typo “playoofs”.

          Made me laugh while working on our taxes.

          Oof indeed.

          Reply
        • rct

          2 years ago

          lmao why are you asking why people block you? You block people all the time.

          Reply
  12. DarkSide830

    2 years ago

    What’s a good estimation of what he might get?

    1
    Reply
    • PiratesFan1981

      2 years ago

      I think 3/33 million with 3 million of that 33 million is based on performance bonuses. Innings pitched, saves, player of the year, etc etc

      1
      Reply
      • Simm

        2 years ago

        He isn’t getting close to that. Prob like 3/20 at best. His team is offer 3 for 10m.

        Reply
  13. MPrck

    2 years ago

    Without a doubt he’s coming here. Why play for chump change in Japan ? He’s not a dwarf, so I’m sure he’ll be okay here. No fees say’s we’ll pay you some good money here. It’ll be all his.

    Reply
    • Old York

      2 years ago

      @MPrck

      $10 million on the table from his team is chump change? I’ll take $10 million over 3 years to do my job.

      1
      Reply
      • Jarred Kelenic's Beer Can

        2 years ago

        But what if another company offers you 20 million to do the same job?

        1
        Reply
        • Old York

          2 years ago

          @Jarred Kelenic’s Beer Can

          Depends on the working conditions and situation but probably would take it. But, one would also have to look at the tax situation. Do you really want to work half the year for the government that wastes your tax dollars?

          Reply
  14. billysbballz

    2 years ago

    Yankees can solve 3 huge holes in free agency this season and one the following with all overseas players. Yamamoto for rotation, Hoo Lee (lefty hitting contact bat) solid glove in left field or cf, and this kid Yuki as a left handed reliever. Than the following free agency that third baseman lefty batting power house. If they can sign all 4 it addresses four holes. Than somehow trade Stanton with Pereira, Warren, Beeter for Cronesworth (owed 78m) and Soto (owed 30m).

    2
    Reply
    • Tom the ray fan

      2 years ago

      Yeah and trade andujar, delvi Garcia, Clint Frazier for Soto that’ll get it done!

      1
      Reply
      • Simm

        2 years ago

        Be real, Frazier is worth more then that:

        Reply
        • Brew88

          2 years ago

          Clint Frazier alone is enough to get Soto

          Reply
  15. Slider_withcheese

    2 years ago

    Stay over there where it’s easier and fans in the stands do not throw shrimp on the field after allowing a walk off.

    2
    Reply
    • whyhayzee

      2 years ago

      Who throws away perfectly good shrimp?

      Oof.

      Reply
      • Slider_withcheese

        2 years ago

        Too many people

        Reply

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