Red Sox scouting left-handed Japanese closer
The Red Sox are reportedly one of nine teams that has been scouting 27-year-old Japanese closer Yuki Matsui, per Yahoo Japan.
Matsui is thought to be open to offers from teams in Japan and in Major League Baseball.
This past season, the southpaw became the youngest pitcher to reach 200 career saves and also had career-high 39 saves and lead the league for the third time. He now as 236 career saves.
Matsui will turn 28 in a few weeks, has already been apart of 10 seasons in Japan. Because of that, the left-hander is a free agent, and can be signed by MLB teams without an additional posting fee to the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles.
“While I am attached to Rakuten, which has raised me so far, I think I will aim for a new stage in search of ‘a place where I can grow more,’” said Matsui to Yahoo Japan.
In over 500-plus games in Japan, Matsui owns a 2.40 career ERA and is a five-time NPB All-Star.
If the Red Sox were to explore signing Matsui, he would give them another strong option out of the bullpen. Last season, Chris Martin, Kenley Jansen and Josh Winckowski helped stabilize the Red Sox bullpen.
Boston struggled to find consistency amongst their left-handed options with the exception of Brennan Bernardino.
Matsui had a dominant 1.57 ERA over 57 1/3 innings for the Eagles this season. The Red Sox could pair Matsui and Martin as a lethal back-end of the bullpen option next season.
Jansen will enter this season in the final year of his contract with Boston. Matsui could also fill the void left by Jansen if the Red Sox chose move on from the All-Star veteran.
This winter, the free agent market will have some interesting names outside of Matsui that could help the Red Sox. Veteran lefty Matt Moore will be available and could provide a cheaper option if Matsui stays in Japan or signs elsewhere.
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