Former San Diego Padres pitcher Kazuhisa Makita lands in CPBL

It has been years since Kazuhisa Makita attempted to come stateside. He had signed a two year deal with the San Diego Padres, only to make just 27 appearances in the majors before heading back to Japan for the 2020 season. However, he was unable to attract any takers during free agency this offseason.

That changed recently. Makita has resurfaced, having signed a contract with the CTBC Brothers in the Chinese Professional Baseball League. He is expected to join the team in the middle of May.

Former San Diego Padres pitcher Kazuhisa Makita resurfaces in CPBL

Mikita had been a solid pitcher during his time in Japan. While he was never in line for saves as a reliever, he was a valuable setup man when he was not a part of the Seibu Lions’ rotation. He posted a solid 2.81 ERA and a 1.166 WHiP in 987.2 innings, striking out 552 batters with 221 walks. He may not have been a strikeout artist, but his ability to induce weak contact made him a solid option.

That same success did not follow stateside. Although Mikita was a solid pitcher in Double-A and Triple-A, he was unable to generate those weak fly balls and grounders in the majors. His time with the Padres lasted for 35 innings as he posted a 5.40 ERA and a 1.257 WHiP, striking out 37 batters with 12 walks, but also allowing seven homers.

At 37 years old, it is fair to wonder how much Mikita has left. His ERA may have been solid during his brief time with the Rakuten Golden Eagles last year, but he also allowed four unearned runs and struck out just five batters in 16.1 innings. Maybe he will be able to find himself again with the CTBC Brothers.

Kazuhisa Makita has found a new team. The former San Diego Padres reliever has signed with the CTBC Brothers in the Chinese Professional Baseball League.