I'll try harder Minor League contract instead of returning to Japan, 165km/h Fujinami's choice

Jan 18, 2025

Fujinami failed to win promotion to the major leagues last year. He was placed on the injured list due to shoulder pain, and threw well in the minor leagues after returning, but did not receive a call. AP Yonhap News

Fujinami was traded to Oakland for Baltimore during the 2023 season. AP Yonhap News

Right-hander Shintaro Fujinami (31), who was rumored to be transferred to the Orix Buffaloes, decided to challenge the Major League instead of returning to Japan. He signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners, who have a deep relationship with Japanese players. You have to participate in the spring camp as an invited player and prove that you are competitive. Fujinami flew to the Major League in 2023 with the Hanshin Tigers behind him. This year marks the third season in the U.S.

After being released as a free agent by the New York Mets, Jinami visited the Puerto Rican Winter League. He pitched in six games as a starter and lost one game with a 3.05 ERA. He gave up 15 four outs and struck out 24 in 20 ⅔ innings.

Agent Scott Boras said at the Major League Winter Meeting in December that `I'm putting my top priority on staying in the U.S.,' but it wasn't an empty word.

I visited my alma mater Osaka Doin High School this winter and strengthened my will to challenge. Coach Koichi Nishitani, Fujinami's high school teacher, said "Please do it like Fujinami." Fujinami vowed to `try harder.'

For the past two years, I've walked on a thorny path. He started as a starter for the Oakland Athletics in 2023 and was pushed to the bullpen. I was hit hard at the beginning of my debut. He was traded to the Baltimore Orioles midway through the season. He played 64 games in his first year in the Major League, contributing to Baltimore's advance to the postseason with seven wins, eight losses and two saves with a 7.18 ERA. Gradually, he seemed to get used to American baseball.

I changed my uniform last year. He moved to the New York Mets and dreamed of making another leap forward. However, the fastball of 160km/h failed to work due to the ball control difficulties. Started in Triple-A. One month after the opening, the operation was suspended due to right shoulder pain. He was placed on the injured list. Never got a major league call. In 29 Triple-A games, he pitched 1 win, 2 losses, 1 save, 7 holds, an ERA of 6.68 and 33 innings, recording 38 strikeouts and 36 four outs.

1m97-98kg, utuuta. In 2013, he joined Hanshin as the first draft pick. Osaka-born Koshien star entered Koshien Stadium. 당시

Fujinami contributed to his advance to the postseason as a Baltimore bullpen pitcher in 2023. AP Yonhap News

Fujinami joined Hanshin as a rookie in 2013 and has won double digits for three consecutive years. Sports Nippon Headquarters Partnership

He was called the rival of Shohei Ohtani (LA Dodgers). In high school, Ohtani, who received the spotlight for "Idolryu", graduated without making it to the finals of the Koshien competition.

Glowed in the professional world. It has been recognized as a next-generation star by winning double digits for three consecutive years since its first year. He ranked No. 1 in strikeouts in 2015 and played for Japan in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. However, he failed to take a leap forward and took a step back. I was stranded with anxiety about my control.

Japanese sports magazine Sports Nippon reported late last year that Orix is keeping an eye on Fujinami. General manager Junchii Fukura said he checked Jinami after taking the mound in a minor league game. But 31-year-old Hu Jinami chose to take on the challenge.

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.