While the 2023-2024 MLB offseason has provided fireworks in the form of players like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers, many great players have yet to sign. Some of these players include Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman, Rhys Hoskins, and even all-star closer Josh Hader. While Hader is getting much of the buzz amongst relief pitchers, there is one player who is flying under the radar - Shintaro Fujinami.
Coming over from Japan at the beginning of the 2023 season, the expectations for Fujinami were high, as teams were hoping he would be able to bring success to their starting rotation. Immediately, these expectations were shut down, as Fujinami allowed 24 ER in his first 4 starts, to the tune of a 14.40 ERA. The Oakland Athletics made the switch to put him in the bullpen, and he began finding some success, eventually leading to him being traded to the Baltimore Orioles, a team looking for more relief pitching. Fujinami was able to turn his season around, and from June 1 on, he had a 4.22 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and 9.55 K/9.
While these stats are not necessarily elite, Fujinami has shown a lot of potential, specifically in his ability to strike hitters out. Fujinami’s pitch velocity placed him in the 97th percentile in velocity, and the 78th percentile in Whiff%. He throws 5 pitches, with the fastball being his most used pitch. In 2023, he allowed a .385 SLG% on it. He also utilizes his cutter, which he generates a 37.2 Whiff% on, and his most effective pitch, the cutter, which he allowed a .350 SLG% and had a 38.2 Whiff% on. It is important to note that these stats also include his starting pitching numbers, slightly inflating them.
Given that Fujinami has only been in the league for one season, he still has a lot of unlocked potential. With the right pitching coach and situation, he may be able to put his elite “stuff” together and turn into a dominant relief pitcher.
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