Padres Rumors: Top Japanese Pitcher Yuki Matsui Linked to Friars

This would be a big get for San Diego.

This offseason will be a massive one for the San Diego Padres as they look to get themselves back into the playoff picture. The team missed the postseason in 2023, after entering the year with a ton of hype toward them winning their first-ever World Series.

Now the organization has some tough decisions to make on their roster, and who to go after in free agency. It has been reported that the Padres want to shed some salary after an expensive offseason last winter.

But the team has been linked to star Japanese closer Yuki Matsui, as he potentially makes his way over to Major League Baseball. He has indicated his international free agent rights, and his rights to negotiate with other clubs.

With the Padres expected to lose closer Josh Hader in free agency, it would make some sense for them to go after Matsui. He could bring a sense of stability to their bullpen next season, and help San Diego get back to their winning ways.

Matsui will be 28 when the new year kicks off, so there is plenty of time for him to grow in his role. Moving to the major leagues could be an adjustment, but he seems up for the challenge. And since he has played 10 years with his club, there will be no additional posting fee for teams to sign him.

“It isn’t surprising that there is significant interest in a pitcher who is hitting the market at such a relatively young age, and who has already amassed such an impressive resume in Nippon Professional Baseball and on the international stage.”

Per Mark Polishuk of MLBtraderumors.com

San Diego has already scouted him, and they could make a run to land him this winter. Over his career, he has posted a 2.40 ERA and 236 saves. He is a five-time NPB All-Star and is the youngest player to reach the 200-save mark.

While he has struggled at times with his control, he has a pretty high strikeout rate at 31.85%, which should translate over to MLB. This is exactly what the Padres need out of a closer, so he could help them replace Hader, assuming he leaves this winter.