Phillies invite Japanese pitcher Koyo Aoyagi to spring training

A few days after finalizing their initial list of spring training invitees, the Phillies added another in Koyo Aoyagi, a 31-year-old Japanese right-hander and three-time NPB All-Star.

A 5-foot-11 sidearmer, Aoyagi owns a 3.08 career ERA in Japan and was a member of his country’s 2020 Olympic gold medal team, though 2024 was regarded as a down year.

Aoyagi was posted by his team on Dec. 4 and MLB clubs had until Friday to sign him. To this point, the Phillies have never signed a player directly out of Japan. Friday also saw the much higher-profile signing of pitcher Roki Sasaki with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Phillies will bring Aoyagi to Clearwater, where he’ll battle for potentially the only open spot on their pitching staff. Barring injury, the Phillies’ five-man rotation is set with Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sanchez, Ranger Suarez and Jesus Luzardo. The eight-man bullpen appears to have seven locks in Jordan Romano, Matt Strahm, Orion Kerkering, Jose Alvarado, Jose Ruiz, Tanner Banks and Joe Ross.

The Phillies also acquired minor-league outfielder Dylan Campbell from the Dodgers in exchange for international bonus pool space.

The 22-year-old right-handed hitter was the Dodgers’ fourth-round pick in 2023 out of the University of Texas. Campbell hit .251/.331/.372 last season at High-A with 10 homers and 42 stolen bases.

Related Posts

Cаrdіnаlѕ mаke Nolаn Arenаdo IL move аfter trаde deаdlіne

The Cardinals placed Nolan Arenado on the IL with a shoulder strain after the trade deadline, following weeks of struggles at the plate.

Gіаntѕ newѕ: Buѕter Poѕey exрlаіnѕ Sаn Frаncіѕco’ѕ trаde deаdlіne ѕtrаtegy

Former catcher turned San Francisco Giants President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey explains the team’s MLB trade deadline strategy.

Cаrloѕ Correа’ѕ 1ѕt аt-bаt ѕіnce Aѕtroѕ reunіon ended іn раіnful іrony

The Houston Astros welcomed back Carlos Correa back to the team, even if his first plate appearance did not go as planned.

Why the Cubѕ gаve Jed Hoyer а contrаct extenѕіon

Here’s why the Cubs gave Jed Hoyer a contract extension in 2025, one of the biggest front office moves of the season in Chicago.

Atlanta Braves Make History Not Seen in Nearly 100 Years with Wild Win vs. Reds

The Atlanta Braves beat the Cincinnati Reds 12-11 in 10-innings on Thursday night at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. The win moved the Braves to a disap

Report: Boston Red Sox’s Craig Breslow Most Hated GM in MLB

The Boston Red Sox may have made few major moves in recent seasons because rival clubs hate the process of