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MLB: Former Players Find Success in Japan’s Top League

By Joshua Mayer

Apr 17, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; A general view of baseballs prior to a game between the Kansas City Royals and the Oakland Athletics at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; A general view of baseballs prior to a game between the Kansas City Royals and the Oakland Athletics at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /
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4. Brad Eldred, OF

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Team: Hiroshima Carp

Japan Career: 260/.329/.502 (5 years)

MLB Career: .203/.258/.417 (4 years)

Unlike Lopez, Brad Eldred was a major flop in MLB. After being drafted in the sixth round, Eldred tore apart the minor leagues in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. He hit a combined 38 home runs with 137 RBI in his first complete season in the minors. Needless to say, big things were expected of him.

The next year, Eldred was promoted midseason and hit for a poor average (.221), but also slugged 12 home runs in only 55 games.

The following year he was unable to match his previous production in AAA and also dealt with injuries. After seven more long years of bouncing around, Eldred only had 299 MLB plate appearances to show for it.

So, in 2013, he signed with the Hiroshima Carp. After a part-time role that year, Eldred burst onto the Japanese scene with 37 home runs in only 118 games.

Ever since, he has been a steady contributor in the Carp lineup, capable of going deep at any time. This is likely what Pirates fans imagined in 2004-2005.  Alas, Eldred was unable to produce in the majors but was able to rediscover his minor league stroke somewhere else.

Eldred is now 36 years old and has an almost zero percent chance of finding his way in the majors again. Still, he must be happy that he was able to find somewhere to play baseball after struggling for so long.

Next: A Failed Yankees Prospect

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