Padres Reportedly Close To Signing Yuki Matsui
The San Diego Padres are said to be nearing a deal with free agent left-hander Yuki Matsui, according to reports. Matsui, who has 10 years of experience in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, is known for his impressive career statistics and small stature. While it remains to be seen how much the Padres will pay for the multi-year deal, the signing would be a significant addition to the team's roster.
Padres Close to Signing Yuki Matsui
According to MLB.com, the San Diego Padres are close to finalizing a deal with left-handed pitcher Yuki Matsui. The team has reportedly offered Matsui a contract, and he has already undergone a medical check. The specific financial details of the multi-year deal have not been disclosed as of now.
Yuki Matsui, a 28-year-old left-handed reliever, has had a successful career in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball. With an impressive earned run average of 2.40 in 501 career games, including 236 saves, Matsui has proved himself as a reliable player. In the 2023 season, he recorded a remarkable ERA of 1.57 and 39 saves, demonstrating his prowess on the mound. With a strikeout rate of 32.4% and a low walk rate of 5.9%, Matsui has consistently performed at a high level.
What makes Matsui stand out even further is his size. Standing at just 5'8" and weighing 167 pounds, he defies the stereotypical build of a professional pitcher. However, his skill and success on the field have caught the attention of MLB teams, including the Cardinals, who showed interest in him. Ultimately, it appears that the Padres will be the team to secure the deal with Matsui.
Matsui's Path to Free Agency
Unlike some Japanese pitchers who transfer to MLB, Yuki Matsui gained proper free agency by completing nine years of service time in Japan's NPB. Currently unattached to any NPB club, he offers a unique opportunity for the MLB team that signs him. Since there is no posting fee involved, the focus is solely on negotiating a contract with Matsui.
Throughout this year, Matsui has been a notable player of interest in MLB. His four-pitch mix, consisting of a fastball, splitter, slider, and curveball, has attracted attention. Although he faced some difficulties adapting to the ball in the World Baseball Classic, which closely resembles the MLB ball, clubs remain intrigued by the potential of uncovering a hidden gem in Matsui.
Given the Padres' budget constraints, the potential signing of Matsui aligns with their strategic approach. The team has been focused on financial considerations throughout the year due to the bankruptcy of Diamond Sports Group and the subsequent loan taken out to cover expenses. Thus, signing Matsui would be a significant move for the Padres as they look to enhance their roster for the upcoming season.
Padres' Offseason Plans
The Padres' offseason moves thus far have primarily centered around freeing up payroll space. They traded outfielders Juan Soto and Trent Grisham to the Yankees and lefty Ray Kerr to the Braves in order to alleviate some contract obligations. With their sights set on staying under the competitive balance tax threshold for 2024, the Padres have been diligent in managing their finances.
While the Padres have some room within their budget to make additional moves, they have several areas to address. The team will likely be seeking two outfielders to replace Soto and Grisham, as well as a designated hitter and more starting pitching options. Additionally, the bullpen is a concern with the departure of notable relievers such as Josh Hader, Nick Martinez, Luis García, and Tim Hill. The Padres' goal is to rebuild their roster for the upcoming season after focusing on reducing payroll.
Although Yuki Matsui will not be expected to completely replace the likes of Hader, he can significantly strengthen the team's left-handed relief options. Currently, the Padres only have Tom Cosgrove and Adrián Morejón in that role, with limited experience and mixed performance. Signing Matsui could be the first step in the Padres' transition from shedding salary to adding key players and enhancing their roster for the 2024 season.
