Kazuto Taguchi Interested In Move To MLB
Left-hander Kazuto Taguchi re-signed with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows on a three-year contract worth 550 million yen (roughly $3.89MM), according to Japanese outlets. Taguchi also expressed interest in pursuing a move to Major League Baseball in the future.
Taguchi's Career and Potential Move to MLB
Kazuto Taguchi, a left-handed pitcher, recently signed a three-year contract to remain with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in Japan. The contract is worth 550 million yen, or around $3.89MM. However, Taguchi has also mentioned his interest in playing in Major League Baseball (MLB) in the future.
Taguchi currently needs one more season with the Swallows to reach the nine years of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) service time required to become a full free agent without a posting fee involved. If this happens, it is possible that Taguchi's contract with the Swallows contains an out clause to explore opportunities in MLB.
Taguchi's Performance and Transition to the Bullpen
Throughout his career in NPB, Taguchi has an impressive 3.36 ERA over 825 innings pitched. After starting with the Yomiuri Giants, he was traded to the Swallows before the 2021 season. In 2022, Taguchi excelled as a reliever, recording a 1.25 ERA over 36 innings as a setup man. He continued his success in 2023, posting a 1.86 ERA over 48 1/3 innings as the team's closer.
Despite his small stature at 5'7" and 165 pounds, Taguchi's transition to the bullpen has allowed him to showcase his skills and stay healthy. His control has always been solid, whether as a starter or reliever, and his strikeout rate reached a career high of 28.5% in 2023. Additionally, Taguchi has significantly reduced the number of home runs allowed since the 2022 season.
Comparison to Other MLB Relievers and Future Prospects
Yuki Matsui, another left-handed reliever, recently signed a five-year, $28MM deal with the San Diego Padres. Matsui is slightly younger than Taguchi, but both pitchers are of small stature. While Matsui has a longer track record as a closer, Taguchi could make his move to MLB before his age-29 season.
Considering the uncertainty surrounding relief pitching and contract projections, a two-year deal might be a more realistic target for Taguchi. It is worth noting that Matsui's contract is also structured unusually, with opt-out clauses and an injury clause. To increase his chances of a lucrative deal in MLB, a strong performance in the upcoming 2024 NPB season would be beneficial for Taguchi's future prospects in the big leagues.
