We have reached the end of 2023, and December is always the quietest month of the year for the baseball world. Still, many clubs have signed new imports for next season. Here is a look at some of the new guys who will be bringing their talents to Japan in 2024. See how many of these guys you recognize from their MLB days.
Orix Buffaloes: Andres Machado, RHP (Nationals)
Chiba Lotte Marines: Jimmy Cordero, RHP (Yankees); Junior Fernandez, RHP (Pirates); Neftali Soto, IF (Baystars)
Saitama Seibu Lions: Jefry Yan, LHP (No MLB); Albert Abreu, RHP (Yankees); Franchy Cordero, OF (Yankees)
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters: Andrew Stevenson, OF (Twins); Aneurys Zabala, RHP (Marlins); Patrick Murphy, RHP (Blue Jays)
Hanshin Tigers: Javy Guerra, RHP (Rays)
Hiroshima Toyo Carp: Matt Reynolds, IF (Reds); Jake Scheiner, UTL (No MLB); Thomas Hatch, RHP (Pirates); Taylor Hearn, LHP (Braves)
Yokohama DeNA Baystars: Rowan Wick, RHP (Cubs/Padres)
Tokyo Yakult Swallows: Jose Espada, RHP (Padres); Miguel Yajure, RHP (Giants)
Other player transactions include the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks’ acquisition of former home run king Hotaka Yamakawa, who became a free agent after his service time with the Saitama Seibu Lions. Yamakawa played just 17 games in 2023 because of legal issues involving alleged rape. The accusations were dropped, and the case was settled out of court. The first baseman gives the Hawks even more firepower for 2024 as they hope to recapture the Pacific League title.
The league also held its second annual active players’ draft (roughly equivalent to the Rule 5 Draft in MLB). No major names moved, but three former first-round picks found new homes: RHP Kosuke Baba (Tigers) will play for the Yomiuri Giants, RHP Hiroshi Suzuki (Chunichi Dragons) has joined the Buffaloes, and RHP Chihaya Sasaki (Marines) has moved on to the Baystars.
Wishing everyone a happy holiday season and a peaceful end to 2023. See you again in the new year!
