Boston is interested in Japanese pitcher Shintaro Fujinami: Red Sox free agent rumors

The Red Sox, who have already signed one Japanese free agent this offseason, may be looking for a second.

The Red Sox are interested in Shintaro Fujinami

The Red Sox are interested in Shintaro Fujinami
(Source: Wikipedia)

The Red Sox are among the teams interested in Shintaro Fujinami, a 28-year-old 6-foot-6 righthander who was released by the Hanshin Tigers on December 1.

The Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Francisco Giants are also interested in Fujinami, whose role in the MLB is unclear as a starter or reliever.

Fujinami, unlike Masataka Yoshida, who signed with the Red Sox this week, and Kodai Senga, who signed with the Mets, isn’t expected to command a large contract due to his uncertain potential.

More MLB: 

Fujinami’s control has been a source of concern, according to MLB Trade Rumors:

“Increasingly, the 6′6″ righty battled control problems. That erratic strike-throwing led the Tigers to shuttle him back-and-forth between NPB and their minor league affiliate frequently through 2019. He spent the majority of his time at Japan’s top level in 2020-21 but posted respective ERA’s of 4.01 and 5.21. Fujinami again split his 2022 campaign between NPB and the minors, only throwing 66 2/3 innings at the highest level.”