What's the point of throwing a 160km/h fastball...There are no two teams that were likely to return to Japan after releasing another scoreless game in eight consecutive games a reserved attitude

Jun 19, 2025

Japanese fireballer Fujinami was released from Seattle. Interest is high in returning to Japan. Hu Jina Mi during her Auckland days. AFP Yonhap News

Fujinami transferred to Auckland after posting in 2023. During the season, he moved to Baltimore and finished the season. Since experiencing the major leagues in the first year, he has not been out of the minor leagues. AP Yonhap News

2-1-4 with a 5.79 ERA.

This is the result of right-hander Shintaro Fujinami (31) at Tacoma, a Triple-A team under the Seattle Mariners in the U.S. Major League Baseball this season. He has not lost a point in the last eight games in a row. He continued his challenge by aspiring to be on the major league stage for the first time in two years. However, it seems that it is time to make a decision. The Mariners released Jinami as a free agent 18 days later. I gave up my expectations for Fujinami. Like the Miami Marlins will let go of Ko Woo-suk.

Rumors of a transfer to the Orix Buffaloes circulated last winter. Throughout the 2024 season, he raised hope in the minor leagues under the New York Mets, but he did not receive a major league call. Naturally, there was talk of returning to Japanese professional baseball. Hu Jinami says, `I'll try harder"I chose the challenge.

The fastball is still attractive in the 160km/h range. It reached a maximum speed of 165 km/h. Along with Roki Sasaki and Shohei Ohtani (L.A. Dodgers), he recorded the highest arrest for a Japanese pitcher. However, Hu Jinami clearly shows that you cannot succeed only with a fast ball. His ball control was put to the test in every game. It's been the same since I came to the U.S. two years ago.

When Fujinami is released from Seattle, two Japanese professional baseball teams are drawing attention. The Hanshin Tigers of the Central League and the Nippon Ham Fighters of the Pacific League. They are the top teams in both leagues. Fujinami's agent Scott Boras "The door is open to all teams"

Hanshin is a former team where Fujinami took her first step as a professional player. Fujinami joined Hanshin with the first nomination in the 2013 rookie draft. He was a rookie who received the most attention. As expected, he won 10 games and won the Rookie of the Year award. He has played as a main pitcher with double-digit wins for three consecutive years since the first year.

Fujinami became a Hanshin player with the first nomination of a rookie in 2013. He has been a main pitcher for three consecutive years since his first year as a member of the team, winning double-digit games. Photo courtesy = Sports Nippon

He was pushed out, but he once represented Hanshin. When it comes to Fujinami's return to Japan, Hanshin will emerge as the top priority.

Nippon Ham coach Tsuyoshi Shinjo has appreciated Fujinami's potential since his time at Hanshin. When Fujinami was struggling in the minor leagues, he expressed his intention to recruit. Coach Shinjo has given a chance to a player who has not blossomed his potential in other teams. Leadership that grabs the heart of players and instills motivation is special.

But the situation has changed. Hanshin and Nippon Ham are the top teams in both leagues. He aims to win the league and win the Japan Series. A solid mound is the strength. From starting to bullpen, there are few gaps.

Hanshin had a team ERA of 2.14 until the 18th. It ranks first overall among the 12 teams in both leagues. He is slowing down in the interleague (exchange match), but he is solid. He also has strong pitching capability. As of the 18th, the team's ERA is 2.36. It ranks first in the Pacific League and second overall after Hanshin.

Nippon-Ham is even circling as a seventh starter. Good selection resources are overflowing. Young pitchers are growing. If Fujinami returns to Japan, he has to throw as a starter, but there is no room to enter.

Fujinami waited for a major league call-up at the New York Mets-affiliated Major League Baseball last year. In the end, he failed to take the mound in the Major League. Sports Chosun DB

Coach Shinjo said, "I can't say anything about recruiting Jinami after the 18th. Ask the front desk of the club." It looks quite different from before. A club official also expressed reservations. Currently, the power is solid, so there is no need to make unnecessary changes. It is also difficult to use Fujinami, who has bad control, as an intermediate pitch.

Nippon Ham is a team that has bottomed out for two consecutive years between 2022-2023. It succeeded in rebuilding under Shinjo's leadership. I finished second last year, and I look forward to winning this year.

A Hanshin official said "There is nothing to talk about on this matter," he said, taking a cautious stance.

Fujinami, once widely seen as Ohtani's rival, left Hanshin for the U.S. in 2023. Transferred to the Oakland Athletics via the posting system.

He was pushed to the middle ground when he was hit hard as a starter. He went through twists and turns, being traded to the Baltimore Orioles during the season. In his first year in the Major League, he played 64 games, recording 7 wins, 8 losses, 2 saves, and a 7.18 ERA.

Nihonham coach Shinjo has highly evaluated Fujinami's potential. Coach Shinjo (far right) is sharing his joy with the players after leading the game to victory.Photo capture = Nippon-Ham Fighters SNS

Started with New York Mets Triple-A in 2024. He was on the injured list due to right shoulder pain and failed to operate normally. In 29 Triple-A games, he recorded one win, two losses, one save, seven holds, and a 6.68 ERA.

Fujinami is at the crossroads of baseball life.

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.