MLB Players: high expectations for former ballplayers in Asian circuits
By Yusseff Diaz
After reviewing the number of MLB players making in Mexico, we’ve decided to go ahead and touch on the number of former big-leaguers in the Asian circuits.
Yesterday I touched upon the subject of former Cuban MLB players making an impact in other leagues around the world. Today, I’ll touch upon a couple of former big-leaguers making an impact in the Asian circuits.
José Miguel Fernández was in limbo last year after being released by the Los Angeles Angels before during the off-season. His release actually worked out well for him because the Doosan Bears of the KBO league inked the native of Matanzas and what a year he had.
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The slugger led all foreigners in the Korean circuit in average (.344), led the league in hits and slashed .413/.483/.896
His output forced the team to sink him again this year and as we speak he is in Spring Training with the team in Australia.
Another former big-leaguer who has flourished in the Asian circuits is Ariel Miranda. The former Orioles and Mariners pitcher had a record of 13-9 and ERA of 4.72 during his time on the grand stage.
After his release by the Mariners, he was inked by the SoftBank Hawks in Japan and has flourished. The Cuban lefty was a big part of the Nippon League team’s titles in 2018 and 2019.
In his two years in Fukuoka, he posted of record of 13-6, ERA 3.36 and struck out 98. Although he wasn’t re-signed by the ball club in the off-season, Miranda was acquired by the China Trust Brothers of the Chinese Professional Baseball League for $600K.
I chronicled Dayán Viciedo ‘s transition from a bust in the Majors to a Japanese league star in an earlier article. Last season the native of Villa Clara, Cuba hit .319 and drove in 93 runs with Chunichi.
Leonys Martín also made an impact in his brief time with the Chiba Lotte Marines after he was released by the Cleveland Indians.
The toolsy outfielder hit 14 bombs and drove in 39 runs in only 52 games in the land of the rising sun .
As in Mexico, a few Cuban nationals who have never been affiliated with Major League Baseball have made their mark. For the first time in the history of Japan, two Cuban relievers made 40 or more appearances in a season, those two were non-affiliated.
Liván Moinelo of SoftBank and Raidel Martínez of Chunichi were these such pitchers.
Related Story. Former MLB players making an impact in the Mexican League. light
Alfredo Despaigne who is also non-affiliated has turned into one of the most feared sluggers in Japan. In his six seasons in the NPB, he has slugged 154 homers and knocked in 452 runs.
Yurisbel Gracial was also been a key piece in Fukuoka for a team that has won three straight league titles. During the regular season, the third baseman hit .319 and slugged 28 long balls, but during the playoffs he stepped it up a notch hitting .375 and clobbering round-trippers en route to a Japanese Series MVP, making him only the second Latino to do so.
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Cubans in Asian Leagues
Nippon League
- Dayán Viciedo, 1B – Chunichi Dragons
- Yariel Rodríguez, RHP – Chunichi Dragons
- Ariel Martínez, C – Chunichi Dragons
- Raidel Martínez, RHP – Chunichi Dragons
- Alfredo Despaigne, DH/OF – SoftBank Hawks
- Yurisbel Gracial, 3B/OF – SoftBank Hawks
- Livan Moinelo, LHP – SoftBank Hawks
- Leonys Martín, OF – Chiba Lotte Marines
- Onelki Garcia, LHP – Hanshin Tigers
Korean Baseball Organization
- José Miguel Fernández, 1B – Doosan Bears
- Odrisamer Despaigne RHP- KT Wiz
Chinese Professional Baseball League
- Ariel Miranda, LHP – China Trust Brothers