We heard earlier this month that free agent Japanese reliever Kyuji Fujikawa was drawing interest from MLB teams. Now he’s beginning the process of finding the right fit stateside.
Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News reports that Fujikawa has toured the facilities of the Cubs and Diamondbacks over the past week and is expected to visit with the Angels and Dodgers in the near future. The Rangers have scouted Fujikawa, but it’s not known if he’ll meet with them.
Fujikawa has been one of the most dominant closers in Japan for a long time, posting a 1.77 ERA, 11.8 K/9 and 220 saves over 12 seasons with the Hanshin Tigers. Featuring a low-90s fastball, a slider and a forkball in his arsenal, the 32-year-old right-hander had a 1.32 ERA and 58/15 K/BB ratio over 47 2/3 innings this season. Since he’s a free agent, he will not be subject to the posting process.
