| О себе: | Renowned submarine pitcher Koyo Aoyagi, with a career record of 61 wins in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), is set to pursue his Major League Baseball (MLB) dream this winter. According to Japanese media sources like Tokyo Sports, the Hanshin Tigers have granted Aoyagi permission to enter the MLB via the posting system.… читать дальше
Aoyagi’s journey with the Hanshin Tigers began in 2015, when he was selected in the fifth round of the rookie draft. In his debut season, he appeared in 13 games, posting a 4–5 record with a 3.29 ERA, marking a modest start to his professional career. However, it wasn’t until 2019 that Aoyagi began to truly showcase his potential, pitching in 25 games and recording a 9–9 record with a 3.14 ERA while achieving his first full season of qualifying innings.
In 2021, Aoyagi reached new heights, pitching 156⅓ innings across 25 games and notching a 13–6 record with an impressive 2.48 ERA. His achievements included earning the Central League title for most wins and the highest winning percentage (.684). His stellar performance that year also earned him a spot on Japan’s national team for the Tokyo Olympics, where he contributed to Japan’s gold-medal win.
The following season, Aoyagi continued to excel, posting a 13–4 record with a remarkable 2.05 ERA in 24 games, including four complete games (two shutouts). This consistency earned him the titles of wins leader and winning percentage leader (.765) for the second consecutive year. Last season, he contributed significantly to Hanshin’s Japan Series title, securing 8 wins and solidifying his place as a crucial part of the team.
Though Aoyagi’s 2023 season saw a slight dip in performance, with a 2–3 record and a 3.69 ERA over 12 games, he remains an experienced and versatile pitcher. Over his NPB career, he has pitched in 154 games (including 6 complete games and 3 shutouts), amassing a 61–47 record and a 3.08 ERA. Known for his sidearm delivery, Aoyagi’s pitching arsenal includes a fastball that reaches up to 149 km/h, along with a two-seam fastball, slider, changeup, and curveball, making him a distinctive asset on the mound.
Daily Sports in Japan reported that Aoyagi has long expressed a desire to play overseas, a goal he has pursued more actively since winning Olympic gold in 2021. Hanshin Tigers’ director Satoshi Shimamura commented on the decision to allow Aoyagi to post, stating, "Granting posting approval is not something to take lightly. We had to carefully consider the player’s determination and readiness, and after thorough evaluation, we felt the timing was right to support his ambition."
While Aoyagi may not generate widespread demand among MLB teams, given his modest NPB statistics, he is reportedly open to a minor league contract if necessary. Tokyo Sports noted that Aoyagi is prepared to accept a minor league role if it allows him to establish himself in the MLB.
Aoyagi’s determination and unique pitching style could potentially make him a valuable addition to an MLB bullpen, with the possibility of making a name for himself in the United States. |
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