The Philadelphia Phillies have made a move to sign Japanese pitcher Koyo Aoyagi, a sidearmer with a notable career in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). The 31-year-old has spent nine seasons with the Hanshin Tigers, posting a 61-47 record with a 3.08 ERA. Aoyagi has been named to three NPB All-Star teams in 2019, 2021, and 2022.
Although the Phillies have not historically signed players from Japan, this move marks a significant step in that direction. On Friday, the team reached an agreement on a minor league contract with Aoyagi, including an invitation to spring training.
Phillies assistant general manager Jorge Velandia highlighted Aoyagi’s unique sidearm pitching style as a key factor in the team’s decision. “He’s been a warrior in Japan, both as a starter and reliever,” Velandia said. “We want to see what he can bring to our team.” While the Phillies do not currently have an opening in their starting rotation, Aoyagi could fill a spot in their bullpen.
Aoyagi is not following the path of other Japanese players, such as Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki, to the West Coast and instead chose to sign with the Phillies. If he makes the roster, he will be only the third Japanese player to play for the team, following Tadahito Iguchi and So Taguchi.
Velandia expressed optimism about Aoyagi’s potential impact, noting, “It’s another weapon we don’t have in a sidearmer. We’re glad he chose the Phillies.” Aoyagi throws a fastball reaching 87-91 mph, along with a cutter, slider, and split-changeup. With a spot open in the bullpen following the departure of Carlos Estévez and Jeff Hoffman, Aoyagi could earn a place with a strong spring training performance.
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