JUST IN: Mariners agree to contract Orioles pitcher
The Seattle Mariners have strengthened their bullpen by signing right-handed pitcher Shintaro Fujinami to a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training. Fujinami, who turns 31 in April, brings a combination of high-velocity pitching and untapped potential, along with a history of inconsistency.
“Shintaro Fujinami and the Mariners have agreed on a contract, sources say. Minor league deal with an invitation to spring training,” reported Jon Morosi on X (formerly Twitter).
Fujinami is known for his blazing fastball, which has reached speeds of 103 mph. After spending 2023 with the Oakland Athletics and Baltimore Orioles, injuries limited his performance during the 2024 season with the New York Mets. Despite his ups and downs, the Mariners are optimistic about his ability to generate swings and misses.
Fujinami transitioned to Major League Baseball in 2023 after a successful career in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball, where he earned All-Star honors from 2013 to 2016. In his debut MLB season, he pitched in 64 games (seven starts), posting a 7-8 record with a 7.18 ERA over 72 innings.
Although his command has been a concern—evidenced by a 12.6% walk rate—his 30.1% whiff rate, which ranked in the 77th percentile, highlights his ability to overpower hitters.
Shintaro Fujinami heads to the Mariners
