Fujikawa will come over to MLB this winter

Via NPB Tracker: Right-handed reliever Kyuji Fujikawa will look to join an MLB this club as a true free agent this offseason. The long-time Hanshin Tigers closer will be represented by Arn Tellem, who also represented Hideki Matsui, Mike Mussina, and Jason Giambi.

Fujikawa, 32, has been the most dominant reliever in Japan for the last decade or so. He’s pitched to sub-1.50 ERA in six of the last eight years with a strikeout rate well north of 12.0 per nine. Last offseason I linked to a scouting report that says he runs his fastball up to 94 with a put-away splitter. Here’s more from Amazin’ Avenue and here’s some video. The Yankees figure to be in the market for a reliever this offseason, especially if Rafael Soriano opts out, so here’s another name just to keep in the back of your mind. The history with Tellem can only be considered a positive.