San Diego Padres reportedly nearing deal with Kazuhisa Makita
By David Hill
The San Diego Padres are reportedly nearing a deal with intriguing Japanese reliever Kazuhisa Makita.
The San Diego Padres have had an interesting offseason. They have reportedly offered Eric Hosmer a seven year contract worth $140 million, although the validity of such a deal may be in question. Chase Headley was brought back to the team he shined for via trade, and Freddy Galvis should solidify the shortstop position. San Diego may still be a bit away from contending, but they have improved their roster since last season.
Their most intriguing move may be one they are reportedly close to making. Japanese reliever Kazuhisa Makita is heading to San Diego for a physical, making it likely that the Padres will soon be landing the 33 year old submariner.
Source: San Diego Padres have emerged as strong favorites to sign Japanese submariner Kazuhisa Makita. Confirms report out of Japan that says the 33-year-old Makita is on his way to U.S. for physical: https://t.co/Wfih3xyeFi (h/t @GraveyardBall)
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 5, 2018
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Makita is not the conventional flamethrowing reliever that teams have stockpiled over the past few years. The former starter instead relies upon his deceptive delivery and excellent command, thriving on weak contact and ground balls. Since becoming a full time reliever, Makita has posted a 1.91 ERA and a 0.948 WHiP. In his 141.1 innings, he has struck out only 78 batters, but has also issued only 21 walks.
Given his profile, it is not a surprise that Makita is compares with Brad Ziegler. Another submariner, Ziegler has thrived on generating weaker contact and generating ground balls as well. Considering that the Marlins closer has pitched in a variety of roles in his career, it would not be a surprise to see Makita emerge as a valuable part of the Padres bullpen.
It would also not be a surprise if Makita is given a chance to earn the closer role in San Diego. He saved 22 games as a rookie in 2011 before moving to the rotation, giving him some experience in that role. While he is more likely to end up as a matchup specific middle reliever, the Padres could see if he can handle the ninth inning.
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The San Diego Padres are reportedly closing in on a deal with Japanese reliever Kazuhisa Makita. Despite his lack of velocity and strikeouts, he could emerge as a viable weapon in San Diego.