The San Diego Padres bolstered their bullpen over the weekend by signing Japanese reliever Yuki Matsui to a five-year deal. Matsui will join the Padres after spending his entire professional career with Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).
The Padres confirmed the agreement on their social media but didn’t disclose the details of the deal. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Matsui’s contract is worth $28 million.
Matsui is only the third reliever in MLB history to get a deal for five years or longer. It reportedly comes with a couple of opt-outs while also giving the Padres some flexibility if the 28-year-old player suffers an elbow injury at some point during the duration of the contract.
Yuki Matsui made his NPB debut with the Golden Eagles in 2014. During the last decade, Matsui made five All-Star appearances while leading the Pacific League in saves three times.
Over the course of his career, Matsui compiled a 25-46 record and has 236 saves. He also posted a 2.40 ERA and managed 860 strikeouts.
The Padres needed to replenish their bullpen after seeing several important players leave this year. All-Star closer Josh Hader and veteran Nick Martinez left in free agency, while righty Scott Barlow was traded to the Cleveland Guardians early in the offseason.
