Brad Eldred signs with Japanese team

Detroit Tigers designated hitter Brad Eldred didn’t have a shot at playing time, but he’ll get his shot in Japan. He has signed a contract with the Hiroshima Carp of the Central League and has been replaced by Jeff Baisley on the Triple-A roster.

May 2, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Brad Eldred (34) in the dugout before the game against the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE

Brad Eldred will leave the Toledo Mud Hens after absolutely mashing with the team this season with an insane 200 wRC+ (!) in 625 plate appearances. He will make more money in Japan and only received 17 PAs wit the MLB club this year.

On Monday, news of Hiroshima’s interest in Eldred first arose. It was no surprise that he has signed with them, because Baisley showed up before the game and was said to be activated today. That has happened, so Eldred’s departure was expected.

“This is the way the game goes,” Eldred said. “What’s going on is probably obviously better for me and my family. That’s the way it’s got to be. That’s obviously where I’m going to go, to do what’s best for them. I’m sure you’ll find out first thing tomorrow what’s going on.”

It appears that Eldred is going to Japan so that he and his family have more money, and that makes sense for the veteran who has starred with a handful of teams in the minor leagues and regularly has a wRC+ of around 125 in Triple-A. He has never received 50 plate appearances with an MLB team in his career, so he stands to make more money and get more PT in Japan.

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