On this day in 2010, the A's signed 36-year-old Hideki Matsui to a one-year, $4.25 million contract.
Matsui had already enjoyed a brilliant career, both in Japan and Major League Baseball. In seven seasons with the Yankees, Matsui slashed .292/.370/.482 with 140 home runs and 597 RBI, appearing in two All-Star Games and earning World Series MVP honors in 2009.
In 2010 with the Angels, Matsui's production slipped a little bit, but he still notched 21 homers and 84 RBI with a .274/.361/.459 slash line. Unfortunately for the A's, his numbers continued to drop in his one season in Oakland. Matsui slashed .251/.321/.375 with 12 home runs and 72 RBI, all career-lows for a full season.
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Still, Matsui provided a couple of memorable moments, collecting his 2,500th career hit and 500th career home run (between MLB and Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan). He served as a designated hitter, mixing in 27 games in the outfield.
For just $4.25 million, it ended up being a pretty good deal for Oakland, despite his decreased offensive production. The A's knew Matsui was past his prime when they signed him, but figured he could add some offense and leadership to the clubhouse.
Matsui played one more season with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2012 before calling it quits. He finished his Major League career with 175 home runs and 760 RBI in 10 seasons.
Oakland Athletics
This past January, Matsui was elected to the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame.