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Kohei Arihara another interesting arm available in free agency

By David Hill

Nippon Ham starter Kohei Arihara pitches the ball during the Japanese professional baseball match between Seibu and Nippon Ham at the Metlife Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama prefecture on June 19, 2020. - Japan's professional baseball season began behind closed doors on June 19, three months after the originally scheduled start as the country gradually rolls back its anti-coronavirus measures. (Photo by STR / JIJI PRESS / AFP) / Japan OUT (Photo by STR/JIJI PRESS/AFP via Getty Images)
Nippon Ham starter Kohei Arihara pitches the ball during the Japanese professional baseball match between Seibu and Nippon Ham at the Metlife Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama prefecture on June 19, 2020. - Japan's professional baseball season began behind closed doors on June 19, three months after the originally scheduled start as the country gradually rolls back its anti-coronavirus measures. (Photo by STR / JIJI PRESS / AFP) / Japan OUT (Photo by STR/JIJI PRESS/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Now that Kohei Arihara has officially been posted, another intriguing arm is available for major league teams to bid upon.

Major league scouts have been getting a look at Kohei Arihara for years. Initially, this was due to his teammate on the Nippon Ham Fighters, Shohei Ohtani. However, as time went on, Arihara established himself as an intriguing prospect as well.

Now, just as Ohtani did in 2018, it is Arihara’s time. He has been posted as well, giving teams 30 days to come to an agreement with his representatives to bring him stateside.

Arihara has had a good amount of success in Japan. Over his six seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball, he has posted a 60-50 record, along with a 3.74 ERA and a 1.209 WHiP. He has struck out 626 batters with 194 walks over his 836 innings, showing excellent command.

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While he has a diverse arsenal with at least five pitches, Arihara has three offerings that are considered plus. His fastball ranges between 88 MPH and 95 MPH, as he adjusts speeds based on the situation instead of trying to throw it past everyone. He has an excellent slider with sharp bite that he particularly commands well to his glove side. Arihara also has an impressive changeup, with excellent fade and depth, which he uses as a weapon against lefties. He also uses a splitter and a slow curve that, while similar to the eephus-like curve thrown by Zack Greinke, does not have the same potential.

However, those three primary pitches are enough to make the 28 year old an intriguing arm in free agency. He is considered a future mid-rotation starter, particularly if he can use his secondary offerings to the same effect he did in Japan.

At just 28 years old, and with his track record of success, Arihara should have plenty of suitors. He may not cost as much as other similar pitchers with a major league track record due to his lack of major league experience, but he carries far more upside. Whichever team ends up winning his services could be pleasantly surprised.

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Kohei Arihara has been posted by the Nippon Ham Fighters. He is another intriguing option now available in free agency.

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