Padres Reportedly Close to Signing Star Japanese Pitcher

This would be a huge splash.

The San Diego Padres are reportedly "close" to signing star Japanese pitcher Yuki Matsui. This signing was initially reported by Sankei Sports, and later confirmed by MLB.com's Mark Feinsand and MLB Network's Jon Morosi. It's reportedly pending a physical, per Sankei Sports.

#松井裕樹 投手(楽天から海外FA)は #パドレス と合意。身体検査をクリアすれば正式契約へ。
Yuki #Matsui, a left-handed reliever from the Rakuten Golden Eagles in the NPB, is close to signing with the #Padres, pending physical. Sources confirmed to Sankei Sports. pic.twitter.com/SoxLcCP5G1

— 山田結軌⚾️ｻﾝｽﾎﾟMLB記者🇺🇸野球大好き😍 (@YamadaSANSPO) December 19, 2023

Matsui is a star reliever out of Japan who could take over the closer vacancy the Padres created by not re-signing free agent Josh Hader.

Matsui had a 1.57 ERA in NPB last year, notching 39 saves in 57.1 innings pitched. He also had 72 strikeouts to just 13 walks.

Matsui has dominated NPB since 2014, sporting a 2.40 ERA and accruing 236 saves in 501 games. He's still just 28 years old, and is reportedly close to signing a multi-year deal with San Diego.

We will continue to provide updates on this story when we know more, so stay tuned on insidethepadres.com.

It sounds as if the Padres are finally going to make their first MLB free agent signing of the offseason.