Padres Reportedly Close to Signing Star Japanese Pitcher
The San Diego Padres are reportedly "close" to signing star Japanese pitcher Yuki Matsui. This signing was initially reported by Sankei Sports, and later confirmed by MLB.com's Mark Feinsand and MLB Network's Jon Morosi. It's reportedly pending a physical, per Sankei Sports.
Matsui is a star reliever out of Japan who could take over the closer vacancy the Padres created by not re-signing free agent Josh Hader.
Matsui had a 1.57 ERA in NPB last year, notching 39 saves in 57.1 innings pitched. He also had 72 strikeouts to just 13 walks.
Matsui has dominated NPB since 2014, sporting a 2.40 ERA and accruing 236 saves in 501 games. He's still just 28 years old, and is reportedly close to signing a multi-year deal with San Diego.
We will continue to provide updates on this story when we know more, so stay tuned on insidethepadres.com.
It sounds as if the Padres are finally going to make their first MLB free agent signing of the offseason.
