Call to the pen
Fansided

Five players in foreign leagues to watch this MLB offseason

By David Hill

YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - AUGUST 07: Pitcher Kodai Senga #21 of Team Japan is seen after the sixth inning against Team United States during the gold medal game between Team United States and Team Japan on day fifteen of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Yokohama Baseball Stadium on August 07, 2021 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)
YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - AUGUST 07: Pitcher Kodai Senga #21 of Team Japan is seen after the sixth inning against Team United States during the gold medal game between Team United States and Team Japan on day fifteen of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Yokohama Baseball Stadium on August 07, 2021 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Masahiro Tanaka

It was a surprise when Masahiro Tanaka left MLB to head back to Japan. It is possible that he could switch continents again.

Tanaka had been a solid arm for the Yankees during his seven years in the majors. He was a two time All Star, a dependable second or third starter in New York who thrived in pinstripes. However, when he was unable to get the contract he wanted in free agency, and the Yankees had moved on, he returned to the Rakuten Golden Eagles.

There had been some thought that Tanaka would look to return in the past offseason as he had an opt-out clause in his two year deal. Instead, he remained in Japan, turning in another solid campaign with the Golden Eagles.

A free agent once more when this season ends, it is possible that Tanaka looks to come back stateside, especially if the Yankees are interested. While he will be 34 years old, and is not the same pitcher he was, he could still be a solid middle of the rotation option. And, as he has yet to win a World Series, joining a contending team could be the enticement needed to bring him back.

Roberto Osuna

There was a time when Roberto Osuna was one of the best closers in the game. With over 150 saves at 25 years old, he appeared to be on the way to a historic career.

Then it all came crashing to a halt. A suspension for violating the MLB domestic abuse policy and an elbow injury that was expected to need Tommy John surgery led to his being unable to find a major league job. Even a strong showing in Mexico in 2021 was unable to generate interest, leading to Osuna signing with the Chiba Lotte Marines after he began this year back in Mexico.

Osuna has performed well enough in Japan to earn another look. He has posted a 0.72 ERA and a 0.600 WHiP in his 25 innings, striking out 29 batters with three walks. Osuna is clearly healthy once again and, at 28 years old at the beginning of next year, could be a potential bargain for a team in need of a closer.

The problem would be convincing a fanbase to be on board with such a move. Yet, in a results oriented league, Roberto Osuna deserves a second chance, especially with his performance.

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