AJ Preller Reveals What Role Yuki Matsui Could Play for Padres

San Diego may have gotten a steal with the signing of Matsui.

The San Diego Padres finally made a big free agent signing this offseason, landing star Japanese relief pitcher Yuki Matsui on a 5-year, $28 million contract. Matsui will likely take over a back-of-the-bullpen spot on the team after spending his time in Japan as a star closer.

Matsui had been linked with the Padres most of the offseason, and San Diego circled in on him in the last few days. He gives them a solid option in the bullpen, and they now feel a little better about the likelihood of losing star closer Josh Hader in free agency.

Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller broke down where Matsui could fit into the pitching staff next season.

“Somewhere at the back part of the game,” Preller said, when asked for Matsui’s fit. “We’ll see how the ‘pen unfolds and what other options come up this offseason. But he’s a guy that could pitch anywhere late in the game … a guy that’s shook hands at the end of games as a closer.”

Per A.J. Preller via MLB.com

He posted a 2.40 ERA over his 10 seasons in Japan with the Rakuten Golden Eagles. Matsui shifted himself to a closer role in the last few years, becoming one of the more dominant arms in the entire league.

There is a lot to like about Matsui’s game, including his strong ability to strike batters out. He struck out 32.4% of guys that he faced last season, giving the Padres a potentially lethal weapon out of the bullpen.

However, the biggest issue for Matsui has been his struggle with giving up walks. He holds a career walk rate of 10.9%, so he will need to work on this problem as he transitions to the big leagues.

Either way, the Padres’ have found a nice replacement in the bullpen, and they are very excited about what he brings to the table. Matsui should allow them much flexibility in the pen, and we can’t wait to see what he can do.