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Kodai Senga set to look for major league contract

By David Hill

YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - AUGUST 07: Pitcher Kodai Senga #21 of Team Japan throws in the sixth inning against Team 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 Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - AUGUST 07: Pitcher Kodai Senga #21 of Team Japan throws in the sixth inning against Team 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 Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /
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Everyone knew that Kodai Senga was eyeing a chance to reach the majors. He has now taken the final step to do so.

It was a matter of time until Senga filed for international free agency after opting out of his contract with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. That moment came on Sunday as Jon Morosi from MLB Network reported that Senga has officially filed the necessary paperwork.

Kodai Senga ready to fulfill lifelong MLB dream

Senga had been clear about his hopes for years. He had repetitively expressed a desire to head to the majors, only to have the Hawks rebuff those requests. Now that he has reached his ninth year of service time in Nippon Professional Baseball, and had become eligible to test his market, it was not a surprise that he would do so.

He has nothing left to prove in Japan. A three time All Star and two time member of the Best Nine, Senga has posted a 2.59 ERA and a 1.115 WHiP over his 1089 innings in Nippon Professional Baseball, striking out 1252 batters with 414 walks. He has thrown a no-hitter, won the pitching Triple Crown in 2020, and has easily been one of the biggest stars in the league.

There are some concerns with Senga coming stateside. He has battled injuries, missing time in 2021. He also has just two pitches that are considered plus offerings – his upper 90s fastball and devastating forkball. Senga does have some bullpen risk in his profile.

But teams are proving that starters with two dominant offerings can succeed. That was the case with the Astros as Cristian Javier and Framber Valdez have developed into stars. Senga could find the same level of success stateside and he is now going to get the chance to find out.

Next. Yoshida to be posted depending on conditions. dark

Kodai Senga has filed for international free agency. In just a few short days, he can start negotiating to make his dream come true.

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