MLB Insider Thinks Baltimore Orioles Should Retain Key Reliever
The Baltimore Orioles have made it clear that they're going to do what they need to do during the MLB offseason to add pitching. One thing they might be able to do is retain an arm they already had during the 2023 season.
Shintaro Fujinami was acquired from the Oakland Athletics during the trade deadline last season and could be a big piece for the Orioles' bullpen this year. He didn't perform too well in his first Major League season, but with a fastball velocity in the 97th percentile according to Baseball Savant, there is still hope for the 29-year-old Japanese righty.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com believes Baltimore should bring him back next season.
"A midseason trade acquisition, Fujinami pitched well in a relief role down the stretch for the Orioles, posting a 3.78 ERA (and a 2.30 FIP) in his final 17 appearances. Fujinami, who signed a one-year, $3.25 million deal with the Athletics last winter after pitching in Japan for a decade, could return in a similar role in Baltimore’s bullpen," he wrote.
During his time with the Athletics, the major problem he had was walks. He walked 30 batters in 49 1/3 innings. With the Orioles, his numbers weren't much better, walking 15 in 29 2/3 innings.
The command wasn't great and that caused issues at times. However, most of those problems were in Oakland. When he settled in after the trade, the stuff was there.
If he can put it together, Fujinami could be a good option for Baltimore this season on a cheap deal.
