The Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan announced yesterday that they’re bringing back righty Drew VerHagen on a one-year deal. The Vayner Sports client first joined the Fighters on a one-year contract with a 2025 player option last winter. While it seems he explored free agent possibilities in lieu of the player option, he elected to return to Hokkaido all the same.
VerHagen divided the ’24 season between the Fighters and their minor league affiliate. He posted similarly solid numbers at both stops. The 34-year-old tossed 49 innings of 3.12 ERA ball at Japan’s top level and managed a 3.06 mark across 47 minor league frames. He fanned a slightly above-average 20.6% of NPB opponents against a 5% walk rate.
That was VerHagen’s third season with the Fighters overall. He pitched for the team between 2020-21 and now carries a 3.44 earned run average in 256 2/3 NPB innings. Around the separate stints in Japan, he has appeared in parts of eight MLB campaigns. VerHagen worked as long reliever for the Tigers between 2014-19. He returned to the majors in 2022 for a two-season run with the Cardinals. After posting a 6.65 ERA during his first year in St. Louis, he rebounded with a 3.98 mark across a career-high 61 innings in 2023.
What does Nippon Ham taste like?
It’s so delicious you would fight over the last slice. Teriyaki honey glazed wonder.
Ham Fighters is the best name ever. I know it’s Nippon-Ham but I like Ham Fighters better.
Original take.
Glad I could make your day
Tabasco Cattlemen
Why do they quarrel with ham?
They are vegetarians
I like to think they fight on ham’s side. Like how freedom fighters fight for freedom, ham fighters fight for ham.
Let’s round his first St Louis ERA up to 6.66, just because.
Foo Fighters are better.
I dunno, never seen a foo win any fights.
I piddy duh foo.
oldgfan: That name comes from wartime fighter pilots.
If MLB network would air these leagues…..
It would be cool if we got a few NPB games a week.
He’ll really help fight those pesky hams, lol.
I wish they were called the Monkey Fighters.
Nice pickup!
I’m a Nippon Ham lover not a Nippon Ham fighter