The high-flying Baltimore Orioles have acquired right-hand pitcher Shintaro Fujinami in a trade with the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday. The Orioles gave up minor league pitcher Easton Lucas to close the deal.
The trade was officially confirmed by the Orioles on the team’s social media accounts.
Fujinami is currently in his first MLB season. He joined the A’s on a one-year, $3.25 million contract after previously spending his entire career with the Hanshin Tigers of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball League.
The 29-year-old player started his MLB journey as a starter but ended up being moved to the bullpen after going 0-4 in his first four starts. He played a total of 34 games and has a 5-8 record with an 8.57 ERA and 51 strikeouts.
Lucas, on the other hand, is yet to make his debut in the majors. He spent the 2023 season with Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk and has a 2.92 ERA with 38 strikeouts.
By acquiring Fujinami, the Orioles are betting that a change of scenery can lead the player to replicate some of his impressive form from NPB. They are also adding much-needed depth to their bullpen, which performed well this season but is considered top-heavy.
