The Padres have made a big move to solidify their bullpen, signing Japanese reliever Yuki Matsui to a five-year deal worth $28 million. Matsui, who spent 10 seasons in Japan with the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, has made a name for himself as one of the most dominant relievers in the NPB.
During the past three seasons, Matsui shifted to a one-inning relief role and registered an impressive 1.42 ERA with 214 strikeouts in 152 innings pitched. His consistent excellence on the mound and his ability to miss bats with his plus splitter make him a valuable addition to the Padres’ roster.
At just 5-foot-8 and 165 pounds, Matsui stands out as a unique and effective left-handed pitcher. He possesses a high-spin fastball, a plus splitter, and a slider, allowing him to strike out 32.4% of the batters he faced last season. While his penchant for walks may be a point of concern, Matsui’s dominant track record in the NPB speaks for itself.
Padres general manager A.J. Preller is optimistic about Matsui’s fit with the team, noting that he could fill a high-leverage role in the bullpen. With the departures of key pitchers, including Josh Hader, the addition of Matsui helps balance the San Diego bullpen and adds depth to the late-inning options.
Looking ahead, the Padres may still be in the market for additional relievers, but their focus may shift back to the rotation. However, their most pressing need remains in the outfield, as they aim to acquire a lefty bopper to balance their righty-heavy lineup.
Overall, the addition of Yuki Matsui adds strength and depth to the Padres’ bullpen, setting the stage for an exciting upcoming season.