While researching RHP Kent Tsujimoto, who the Mets signed to a minor league deal today, I came across some interesting facts to pass along.
According to NPB Tracker, Tsujimoto made history a few years ago, when at age 15, he became the youngest player ever drafted in NPB history.
Last season, while playing for the independent Golden Baseball League, Tsujimoto’s fastball consistently hit 94 mph on the radar gun, and he had an incredible strikeout rate of 12.6 K’s per nine innings.
In 32 relief appearances for Maui, Tsujimoto went 3-2 with a 2.88 ERA in 34 innings pitched – striking out 48 and walking 13.
Tsujimoto, is only 22, and looks to have a very live arm and electric stuff, but his career has been slowed by chronic back problems.
He was not given a spring training invite, but will report to minor league camp and get a chance to try and establish himself this season.
Given how young he is, I like the move and hope that the kid can stay healthy and put together a solid season and possibly make some noise.
Check out this interview from Tsujimoto from last season.
