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Pittsburgh Pirates want to bring back Yoshi Tsutsugo

By David Hill

Oct 2, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Yoshi Tsutsugo (32) is congratulated in the dugout after scoring a run against the Cincinnati Reds during the sixth inning at PNC Park. The Pirates won 8-6. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Yoshi Tsutsugo (32) is congratulated in the dugout after scoring a run against the Cincinnati Reds during the sixth inning at PNC Park. The Pirates won 8-6. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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No one could have expected anything from Yoshi Tsutsugo when he was picked up by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He had flamed out in spectacular fashion with the Rays and Dodgers, his ability that he showed in Japan seemingly unable to translate to the majors. However, everything came together with the Pirates, as Tsutsugo transformed into a viable major league option.

Despite having just two years in the majors, Tsutsugo is a free agent, entering on a somewhat high note given his success in Pittsburgh. Likewise, it is not a surprise that the Pirates would want to bring him back, as they are reportedly interested in doing.

Pittsburgh Pirates want to keep Yoshi Tsutsugo

After a disappointing 2020 season, Tsutsugo had seemingly reached rock bottom. He had posted a 34 OPS+ with just four doubles in his 87 plate appearances with the Rays in 2021, numbers that seem Ruthian compared to his time with the Dodgers. In his brief stint in Los Angeles, he had an 18 OPS+, failing to notch an extra base hit in his 31 plate appearances.

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Somehow, that changed in Pittsburgh. For whatever reason, he was able to find his swing, looking more like the player that the Rays had hoped for. While he had just 144 plate appearances in Pittsburgh, he produced a 136 OPS+ with eight homers and eight doubles, drawing 15 walks while striking out 33 times. That is certainly the type of production that the Pirates could use.

Likewise, a reunion could work well for both sides. For the Pirates, if Tsutsugo can prove to be that same player once again, he would give them someone they could build their lineup around. And, come the trade deadline, he could be the type of trade chip, especially with his defensive versatility, where he could draw interest at the trade deadline.

For Tsutsugo, a reunion on a one year deal could be a boon. Should he replicate that production, he could be in line for a solid multi-year deal in the following offseason. As he will only be 30 years old heading into 2022, he could have a lot of baseball left in him.

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The Pittsburgh Pirates want to bring Yoshi Tsutsugo back in 2022. A reunion would make a great deal of sense on both sides.

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