The Philadelphia Phillies have been keen on tapping into the Japanese baseball market for quite some time, and they believe that Koyo Aoyagi could be their gateway. On Friday evening, the team announced that Aoyagi will join their Spring Training in Clearwater, Florida, as a non-roster invitee under a Minor League contract. At 31, Aoyagi could potentially fill a versatile role for the Phillies, with the rotation largely set but an open spot in the bullpen. Aoyagi, a right-handed pitcher known for his sidearm delivery, has spent the last nine seasons in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league. Over the course of his career, he has accumulated a 61-47 record with a 3.08 ERA, and has thrown six complete games and three shutouts Edmundo Sosa Jersey. The three-time All-Star from the Hanshin Tigers is a proven talent in Japan. "We like him for his distinctiveness," said Jorge Velandia, Phillies assistant general manager. "There aren’t many pitchers with that sidearm angle. He’s been a fighter in Japan, excelling both as a starter and a reliever. Now, we want to see what he can bring here. His mentality is one of a competitor. He’s looking for the chance to prove himself in the majors Bob Boone Jersey." Aoyagi’s skillset revolves around generating ground balls with a four-pitch repertoire. His fastball, which ranges from 87 to 91 mph, is complemented by a sweeping slider, a split-changeup, and a cutter. Over 898 1/3 innings, Aoyagi has accumulated 647 strikeouts and 299 walks in NPB. He played a key role in Hanshin's 2023 Japan Series title, starting the clinching Game 7 and tossing 4 2/3 scoreless innings. If Aoyagi makes it to the big leagues with the Phillies in 2025, he will join an exclusive group as just the third Japanese player in franchise history, following in the footsteps of Tadahito Iguchi and So Taguchi. The Phillies have been pursuing top Japanese talent in recent years Matt Joyce Jersey, including big names like Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki, but those players have shown more interest in West Coast teams. Aoyagi, however, has embraced the opportunity to play in Philadelphia. "This is a positive step for everyone involved," Velandia remarked. "It’s a great development for our relationship with Japan. Let’s see where this leads. A sidearm pitcher adds a unique element to our roster, and while roster spots are competitive, we’re thrilled he chose us. We’ve shown him that this is a great place to be."
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