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Kohei Arihara set to choose between three finalists

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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According to reports, Japanese pitcher Kohei Arihara is set to choose between three finalists for his services.

If Kohei Arihara is going to head to the majors, he will need to determine which team he is signing with soon. His signing window will close on December 26, as the 30 days will have expired. That decision will need to come soon.

According to reports, Arihara is set to choose between three teams. The Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres, and Texas Rangers have emerged as the three finalists for the righty. Interestingly, all three teams have been linked to fellow Japanese pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano as well.

Arihara has been a solid pitcher in Nippon Professional Baseball. He has posted a 60-50 record with the Nippon Ham Fighters, along with a 3.74 ERA and a 1.209 WHiP. In his 836 innings, he has struck out 626 batters with just 194 walks.

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Although he is not an overpowering pitcher, Arihara is still considered to be a potential middle of the rotation arm. His changeup and fastball are his primary pitches, and while the heater can reach 95 MPH, he tends to change speeds and focus on his command. Arihara also has a slider that has the potential to be a plus offering, although his change is his best pitch.

All three teams have openings in the rotation that Arihara could slot into. The Rangers desperately need arms during their rebuild, and at 28 years old, he could be a long term piece. Boston is in a similar situation due to injury, as the oft-injured Nathan Eovaldi is the only arm that is definitely expected to be a part of the Opening Day rotation. The Padres, meanwhile, are looking for an arm to replace Mike Clevinger in the middle of their own rotation.

He is not exactly a given either. Arihara struggled in 2017 and 2018, being sent to the minors during both seasons. He has, however, gotten back to his previous form, and could be a solid option in the majors.

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Kohei Arihara will need to make his decision between his three finalists soon. His negotiating window is set to close on December 26.

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