With the Jays having open rotation spots, they turned to Japanese RHP Shun Yamaguchi, who has spent all of is 14 year career in the NBP in Japan. The deal is for 2 years worth $6 million.
Yamaguchi is a 32 year old pitcher who has experience as both a starter and a reliever. Last year, pitching out of the rotation, he delivered 170 frames of 2.91 ERA ball with 10.0 K/9 against 3.2 BB/9.
His pitch arsenal includes a forkball, which is very unique for the MLB and isn’t as common as it is in Japan. It is expected that the Blue Jays will give him a shot at earning a starting role in the rotation or may opt to leave him in the bullpen, although nothing has been confirmed as Toronto still lacks bullpen depth.
