Daisuke Matsuzaka reportedly given large raise for 2019 season
Daisuke Matzusaka is still a superstar in Japan, capable of filling the stands and with his jersey amongst the best sellers in Nippon Professional Baseball. That stature helped the legendary Japanese pitcher land a new contract.
It has been a long time since Daisuke Matsuzaka has been healthy. He had not thrown over 110 innings since 2010, and barely eclipsed the 100 inning mark twice since, failing to do so since 2014. Even though he headed to Japan after that season, he was unable to find health, making just one appearance in NBP prior to 2018.
However, Matsuzaka has remained a superstar, even if he was unable to get on the mound. Last season proved just that, as he made 11 starts, packing the stadium whenever he took the mound. Given his performance, and what he meant to the Chunichi Dragons bottom line, Matsuzaka has reportedly received a new contract.
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Looking at Matsuzaka’s raw stats from 2018, it would seem odd that he would be made the Dragons’ third highest paid pitcher. Over those 11 starts, covering 55.1 innings, Matsuzaka posted a decent enough 6-4 record, along with a 3.74 ERA and a 1.482 WHiP. While he struck out 51 batters, he struggled with his command, issuing 32 walks.
Yet, his value is not just from his statistics. Matsuzaka has also been a boon for the Dragons’ financially, due to increased ticket sales and jersey sales. Even if Matsuzaka’s star has faded over the years, he is still considered one of the greatest in Japanese baseball history.
It is possible that he proves to be worth that salary next year. Even though Matsuzaka will be 38 years old, he is presumably healthy, and may well reach that 100 inning mark. If that is the case, he could come close to providing that value on the diamond as well as at the box office.
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Daisuke Matsuzaka has a new deal with the Chunichi Dragons, and a hefty pay raise. It just goes to show what he still means to baseball fans in Japan, and how bright his star still burns.