Star Taiwanese pitcher signs NPB contract despite Dodgers' interest originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Based on recent signings, it's very clear that the Los Angeles Dodgers are active in the international market, especially in Japan.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Dodgers reportedly scouted in Taiwan, but they will not land one of the top pitchers in the Chinese Professional Baseball League.
According to Gajin Baseball on X (formerly Twitter), Nippon Professional Baseball's Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks signed Taiwanese starting pitcher Hsu Jo-Hsi to a three-year contract.
Hsu received interest from MLB teams, like the Dodgers, but decided to transition his career in Japan after four seasons with the CPBL's Wei Chuan Dragons. The 25-year-old missed all of the 2022 season and most of the 2023 season after undergoing Tommy John Surgery, but was very effective when healthy.
Standing 5-foot-10, Hsu walked just 14 batters in 114 innings this past season, putting his excellent command on display. His average fastball velocity is 94-95 mph, and he's allowed just nine home runs in 64 (305 IP) career games in the CPBL.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHsu signing elsewhere shouldn't hurt the Dodgers too much
Hsu's decision to go to Japan instead of signing a contract with the Los Angeles shouldn't hurt the Dodgers' chances next season.
They just won back-to-back World Series, even with Roki Sasaki's rookie year limited by injuries. The Dodgers' starting pitching depth remains strong, but the bullpen, especially how Tanner Scott underperformed as the club's closer, remains a glaring question.
The Dodgers could continue to monitor Hsu's development as he takes his talents to Japan. His three-year contract with the SoftBank Hawks brings him to his age-28 season.
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