Haruki Nishikawa hoping to be posted next offseason

The 2020-21 international free agent class may already be taking shape, as Nippon Ham Fighters outfielder Haruki Nishikawa has stated his desire to be posted during the next offseason.

This offseason has seen an influx of Japanese players declare their intention of playing in the majors. Three players – Shun Yamaguchi, Ryosuke Kikuchi, and Yoshitomo Tsutsugo – have been posted by their Nippon Professional Baseball teams. A fourth, Shogo Akiyama, is a free agent, and is looking to come stateside. Add in Korean Baseball Organization star Kwang-hyun Kim, and the international game will make its presence felt this offseason.

The 2020-21 offseason may also be taking shape. Nippon Ham Fighters outfielder Haruki Nishikawa is hoping to be made available via the posting system next year so that he can pursue a major league opportunity in 2021.

If Nishikawa is to get that chance next season, Nippon Ham would either have to put him through the posting system or release him. Although his two year contract ends after the coming season, he is not eligible for international free agency, leaving him at the mercy of the front office. However, the Fighters have been amongst the more proactive teams in letting their players play in the majors via the posting system, allowing such greats as Yu Darvish and Shohei Ohtani to fulfill their goals of heading stateside.

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Nishikawa has been solid outfielder for his eight seasons in NPB. A two time member of the Best Nine, and a three time Gold Glove winner, he has posted a lifetime .284/.376/.393 batting line, hitting 156 doubles and stealing 245 bases. He led the Japan Pacific League in steals three times, serving as a valued leadoff hitter for the Fighters.

It is understandable as to why Nishikawa would want to wait until next season. He struggled in 2019, posting a .288/.393/.385 batting line, with just 19 steals. 2019 marked the first time since 2013 that Nishikawa did not steal at least 20 bases, and his .779 OPS was his lowest mark since 2015.

A speedy left handed hitter, Nishikawa is not going to be a power threat. Instead, he uses his speed to turn singles into doubles. At best, he is line drive hitter capable of spraying the ball around the park, and using his speed to cause havoc on the basepaths. That speed also serves him well in the outfield, where he has excellent range. Nishikawa also has experience at first and second, but is more likely to be a center fielder or a fourth outfield type at the major league level.

Of course, that narrative can change if Haruki Nishikawa has a strong 2020 campaign. Should that happen, and he does get posted, the Japanese outfielder could have a solid market next offseason.