The Washington Nationals have made a significant addition to their pitching staff, signing standout Japanese left-hander Shinnosuke Ogasawara to a two-year, $3.5 million contract. The 27-year-old, who was posted by the Chunichi Dragons of Nippon Professional Baseball in December, looks to make an immediate impact in his MLB debut.
Ogasawara’s Impressive Resume
Ogasawara has been a force in Japan’s Central League, compiling an outstanding track record over his career with the Dragons:
- 190 games pitched in NPB’s top league
- 54-72 record with a 3.67 ERA
- 82 strikeouts and just 22 walks in 144 1/3 innings last season
The crafty southpaw relies on pinpoint control and keeps hitters off-balance with an assortment of offspeed pitches. He projects as a solid mid-rotation starter who can eat innings and keep his team in games.
Nats Bolster Pitching Depth
For the Nationals, signing Ogasawara addresses a key need in their rotation behind ace Stephen Strasburg. The $3.5 million investment shows confidence that the left-hander’s success in Japan will translate to the big leagues.
We’re excited to welcome Shinnosuke to the Nationals organization. Our scouting staff has followed his career closely in Japan and we believe his track record of success will carry over to Major League Baseball.
– Mike Rizzo, Nationals President of Baseball Operations
Following Other Japanese Stars
Ogasawara follows in the footsteps of other Japanese pitchers who have found success in transitioning to MLB. Stars like Yu Darvish, Masahiro Tanaka, and Kenta Maeda have all made the leap in recent years and thrived.
The Nationals are hoping Ogasawara can have a similar impact as they look to vault back into playoff contention in the competitive National League East. If the lefty can replicate his NPB success, this signing could prove to be a shrewd move that pays big dividends on their $3.5 million investment.
Spring Training Awaits
Ogasawara will now set his sights on Spring Training, where he’ll look to earn his spot in Washington’s rotation. Nats fans are eager to get their first glimpse of the team’s new international addition and see how his unique style translates to facing big league hitters.
The baseball world will be watching closely to see if the Nationals’ sizable investment pays off. For Ogasawara, the opportunity to prove himself on the sport’s biggest stage awaits. The intrigue around this signing is sky-high as a new chapter begins in DC.
