Hirokazu Sawamura has agreed to join the Boston Red Sox, and reports are beginning to surface detailing how much the relief pitcher's contract is worth.
The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported Monday that Sawamura's deal is for two years, plus an option for a third season. The contract also includes potential bonuses.
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Sawamura finished the 2020 season with Chiba Lotte Marines of Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan. In 22 games with Chiba Lotte Marines, the 32-year-old pitcher (he'll be 33 on April 3) tallied a 1.71 ERA with 29 strikeouts and 10 walks over 21 innings pitched. Sawamura played 10 years in Nippon Professional Baseball.
The Red Sox bullpen struggled last season and ranked 27th in reliever ERA. Sawamura, with a fastball that can hit almost 100 mph, is a solid addition to the group.