Giants Sign Japanese Player Yoshitomo Tsutsugo
By: Sports Reporter
The San Francisco Giants made a notable addition to their roster on Friday, signing free agent outfielder/first baseman Yoshitomo Tsutsugo. The 32-year-old Japanese player agreed to terms on a contract with the Giants, according to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman.
Tsutsugo brings a wealth of experience to the Giants, having spent 10 years in the Nippon Professional Baseball league before coming to the U.S. He has also played for several Major League Baseball teams, including the Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Dodgers, and most recently, the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Prior to the start of the 2023 MLB season, Tsutsugo signed a minor-league contract with the Texas Rangers in January, but was released in June. He then began playing in the independent league two months later.
Known for his power at the plate, Tsutsugo hit 139 homers for the Yokohama Bay Stars of the Japanese Central League from 2016 to 2019, leading all hitters in Japan during that time.
Since coming to the U.S. in 2020, Tsutsugo has struggled to replicate the same success, posting a batting line of .198/.291/.339 with 18 home runs and 75 RBI in 640 MLB plate appearances. However, he remains a valuable addition to the Giants’ roster with his experience and potential for improvement.
In addition to his professional baseball career, Tsutsugo also represented Japan in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.
The signing of Yoshitomo Tsutsugo adds depth and versatility to the Giants’ roster, and fans will be eager to see how he integrates into the team in the upcoming season.
Fans can stay updated on all things Giants by downloading and following the Giants Talk Podcast.