Tampa Bay Rays: Time has run out on Yoshi Tsutsugo

The 2021 season was supposed to be different for Yoshi Tsutsugo. The slugging Japanese outfielder had struggled in his first season with the Tampa Bay Rays, but given the circumstances of the 2020 campaign, one could hardly blame him. However, as he was in the final year of his two year, $12 million contract, the Rays were hoping to see the player they had thought they signed.

Instead, Tsutsugo’s struggles became even worse, to the point where he was designated for assignment on Tuesday.

Yoshi Tsutsugo runs out of time with Tampa Bay Rays

Tsutsugo had been a star in Japan, crushing 134 homers in his final four seasons before coming stateside. However, there were concerns about his ability to handle major league pitching, as the thought was that he could become a Three True Outcome type of player. The power was expected to remain, but he was expected to struggle against high octane fastballs and major league caliber breaking pitches.

The power was there in his first season stateside. Tsutsugo had a disappointing .197/.314/.395 batting line in his 185 plate appearances, but he did hit eight homers and five doubles. That batting line also led to a league average OPS+, as he landed at exactly 100. It was not the season that the Rays wanted, but it was also something to build on, giving the team hope he could fulfill expectations with a normal season.

Instead, Tsutsugo was even worse to begin the 2021 season. He had a .167/.244/.218 batting line in his 87 plate appearances, hitting four doubles while drawing eight walks and striking out 27 times. With the Rays starting to get healthy again, it was a matter of time before they pulled the plug on Tsutsugo.

Presumably, another team could claim him off of waivers, although his salary makes that unlikely. Should he clear waivers, he could be sent to the minors, should he agree to such a move per a clause in his contract. Otherwise, he would be a free agent, free to sign anywhere, although a return to Japan would be the most likely outcome.

Yoshi Tsutsugo has been designated for assignment by the Tampa Bay Rays. He simply ran out of time to show he could play in the majors.