Key Member of 2023 St. Louis Cardinals Bullpen Makes Surprising Move This Offseason
Right-handed pitcher Drew VerHagen has made an interesting decision, electing to return back to the Japanese baseball ranks after a solid MLB season in 2023.
Per Robert Murray of Fansided:
Right-hander Drew VerHagen is signing a one-year contract with the Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan that includes a player option for a second season, source said. The deal for VerHagen, who posted a 3.98 ERA in 60 games with the Cardinals last year, would max out close to $8 million over the two seasons.
With some help from MLBTradeRumors, we see how interesting a decision this is: VerHagen pitched in the NPB during the 2020-2021 seasons, then came back to the United States, had success, and is now leaving again.
It's rare that you see someone take that route, but as MLBTR pointed out, his earning power may be greater in Japan, where he can serve as a starting pitcher.
The 33-year-old appeared in 60 games for the Cardinals in 2023, tossing 61.0 innings of 3.98 ERA ball. For a Cardinals team that finished last in the National League Central and had all kinds of pitching issues, that's a successful season.
The Texas native was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the fourth round of the 2012 draft. He spent six years with the Tigers and these two with the Cardinals. Lifetime, he's 18-12 with a 4.98 ERA at the major league level.
If he pitches well in Japan, there is a chance that he could come back to the United States again in the future - if he wants to return.
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