Attention is focused on whether Shintaro Fujinami (31), who was released by the Seattle Mariners, will return to Japan.

Sports Hochi reported on the 19th (Korean time) that "the Mariners' Triple-A Tacoma announced on the 18th that pitcher Shintaro Fujinami would be converted to a free agent. On the same day, Fujinami's agent, Scott Boras, noted that he would start discussions with any teams possible and would push for a move, including a return to Nippon Professional Baseball in the future."

Fujinami was a promising player who was highly sought after during high school, forming a rivalry with Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers). He was even evaluated as surpassing Ohtani as a pitcher. His fastball, exceeding 160 km/h, captivated many fans. However, due to various controversies outside of baseball, he was unable to fully develop his talent. He recorded a career total of 189 games (994⅓ innings) in Nippon Professional Baseball, achieving 57 wins, 54 losses, and an earned run average of 3.41.

Fujinami, who played in Japan until 2022, challenged the Major Leagues through posting. Despite skepticism regarding the contract, he succeeded in entering the Major Leagues by signing a one-year contract worth $3.25 million (approximately 4.5 billion won) with the Athletics.

However, the results were not good. After joining the Athletics and performing poorly, he was traded to Baltimore but did not significantly rebound. His season statistics were 64 games (79 innings), with 7 wins, 8 losses, 5 holds, 2 saves, and an earned run average of 7.18. In 2024, he signed a one-year contract worth $3.35 million (approximately 4.6 billion won) with the Mets, but he did not pitch in the Major Leagues and struggled in the Minor Leagues with 33 games (36⅓ innings), 1 win, 2 losses, 7 holds, 1 save, and an earned run average of 5.84.

Still not giving up on his dream of returning to the Major Leagues this year, Fujinami signed a Minor League contract with Seattle, but he recorded only 21 games (18⅔ innings), with 2 wins, 1 loss, 4 holds, and an earned run average of 5.79, ultimately receiving a release notification.

Having not achieved notable results in three seasons in the Major Leagues, Fujinami faces a significant possibility of returning to Japan. Sports Hochi stated, "His former team, Hanshin, is reported to be monitoring the situation. Deputy Minister Takeuchi noted that he had nothing to say regarding this matter," adding, "In the 2022 offseason, Hanshin respected Fujinami's wishes and allowed the posting."

[OSEN]