REPORT: San Diego Padres Interested In Another Japanese Superstar

The San Diego Padres were one of the seven finalists to land Japanese two-way star Shohei Otani. The Outfielder/Starting pitcher was deemed the crown jewel of free agency, and would’ve been an immediate difference maker and franchise changer for the Padres. However Otani decided San Diego wasn’t for him, as he decided to sign with the Los Angeles Angels.

With Otani now out of the picture, San Diego must turn their attention to other free agents to help bolster their roster. Some players who have been named are first baseman Eric Hosmer and Carlos Santana, as well as shortstop Zack Cozart.

But even with a multitude of talent make their name stateside, it appears as if General Manager A.J. Preller has his eyes set on another overseas sensation.

According to a new report from the San Diego Union-Tribune’s Dennis Lin, the Padres could be interested in reliever Yoshihisa Hirano

The 33 year old relief pitcher has spent 11 seasons with the Orix Buffaloes of the Japan Pacific League. Hirano has appeared in 549 games, accruing a 48-69 record with a 3.10 ERA and a 884/228 K/BB ratio. The reliever has also managed 156 saves over his career.

Hirano has a fastball that can reach the upper 90s and throws an excellent split-finger/forkball as his secondary pitch. He won’t necessarily blow anyone away, but he could certain fool a batter with the movement on his split-finger, as evident by his career 8.2 K/9 average.

Last season Hirano proved he can be a dominant force towards the back-end of the bullpen, compiling a 2.67 ERA and a 47/16 K/BB ratio with 29 saves. He has seen interest from teams such as the Cardinals, Red Sox and Tigers outside of the Padres.

Currently it’s uncertain what kind of contract Hirano is looking to acquire. To compare, Cardinals’ reliever Seung-Hwan Oh signed a one year/$5 million deal with a club option the year after. It’s possible Hirano signs on a short deal to prove he can succeed in the United States before signing long terms. It’s important to note that Hirano will also turn 34 during the season.

As for where hit fits in San Diego, it’s likely that he would work as the setup man to closer Brad Hand. However with expected widespread interest in Hand once again this offseason, Hirano would be able to slide into the closer’s role in a pinch.

The Padres are likely to be linked to multiple high level free agents this offseason. They have plenty of cap space and a farm system on the rise. However  Hirano may be one of the more free agents connected to the Friars. He may be unknown to many fans, but he was dominant overseas and could give the Padres a lethal 1-2 punch with Brad Hand, or an above average closer if Hand is moved.

The Winter Meetings have just begun and free agency is young, but Yoshihisa Hirano is one name that Padres’ fans need to remember as the offseason rolls on.

Feel free to continue the conversation on Twitter: @FriarsOnBase or @DFappiano14