Mariners’ Japanese pitcher leaves MLB to return to contract in NPB

The Seattle Mariners took a chance on a promising Japanese right-handed pitcher this offseason.

But Shintaro Fujinami couldn't break through, and now he's going home.

Fujinami has signed a deal with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars of NPB, that team announced.

Seattle released Fujinami from the minors last week, presumably to pursue such a new contract.

The 6-foot-6 righty throws hard and joined the A's in 2023. He had an 8.57 ERA with Oakland, though.

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He then pitched 29.2 innings for the Orioles with a 4.85 ERA.

Fujinami spent time in the Mets' system, then in Puerto Rico this past winter, to come to Seattle.

At Triple-A Tacoma, he had a 5.79 ERA.

Fujinami's career NPB ERA in 10 seasons is 3.41.

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