Toronto Blue Jays: Justin Smoak is getting paid in Japan
By David Hill
Former Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Justin Smoak is about to get paid handsomely in Japan, as he has signed with the Yomiuri Giants.
The 2020 season was a complete disaster for former Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Justin Smoak. He had initially signed with the Milwaukee Brewers, hoping to rebuild his value after a rough 2019 campaign. Instead, he struggled even worse in Milwaukee, and was released at the beginning of September. The San Francisco Giants picked him up, but after six uneventful plate appearances, also let him go.
With major league offers likely scarce, Smoak has turned his sights elsewhere. That has resulted in the former All Star signing with the Yomiuri Giants on the type of deal he would not be able to get stateside.
Veteran first baseman Justin Smoak is finalizing a deal with the Yomiuri Giants that will guarantee him somewhere in the $6-7 million, sources familiar with the agreement tell ESPN. Smoak, 34, will join a Giants team that won the Central League but lost in the Japan Series.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 29, 2020
Even if Smoak was to find a major league offer for 2021, it would not have been at nearly that type of salary. He had produced a meager .176/.250/.361 batting line in his 132 plate appearances, hitting five homers and seven doubles. He also struck out 42 times with ten walks, as he was unable to make enough contact for his still solid power to make a difference.
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Smoak’s contract with Yomiuri is also set to be one of the richest in Nippon Professional Baseball history. Only one player, Tomoyuki Sugano, made $6 million last season. Tetsuto Yamada, the Japanese Mike Trout, had been offered a seven year extension worth $43 million. Smoak could surpass both deals, depending on which end of that spectrum he falls on.
The Giants (Yomiuri) had been on the lookout for a power hitter, and the switch hitting Smoak fits that mold perfectly. Despite winning the Japan Central League, Yomirui lost in the Japan Series, adding a bit of an impetuous to land that needed slugger.
As Smoak is 34 years old, it is possible that his time in the majors will continue. If he can rebuild his stock and look like the player he was in 2017 and 2018, he could find himself with a respectable offer stateside. Otherwise, he may be able to have a solid run to end his playing days overseas.
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Former Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Justin Smoak has found a home in Japan. The Yomiuri Giants are set to make him one of the highest paid players in the history of the league.