Yoshitomo Tsutsugo “may be acquired” by a surprising Major League Baseball team in a difficult situation.

He will likely look for a sixth team to move to in the United States.

On June 23 (Japan time), Yoshitomo Tsutsugo (31) announced his departure from Round Rock, the Rangers’ 3A affiliate. In his fourth year in the U.S., he participated in spring training camp as an invited player. However, he was unable to make the 40-man Opening Day Major League roster and was waiting in the minors for an opportunity to be promoted. Why did Tsutsuka announce his resignation at this time?

Because it is hopeless for him to be promoted to the majors with the Rangers. The Rangers are in sole possession of first place in the West Division of the A League (as of June 26, 2012). All of the regulars are doing well, so there is no need to bring up players from the minors. Even if there is an injury, the Rangers will give priority to promising young players over Tsutsuka because of their future potential.

The Rangers have no chance to take advantage of Tsutsuka. Considering the current situation, Tsutsuka probably chose to opt out (terminate his contract). If he doesn’t leave the team, there is almost no chance for him to be promoted to the majors.

Even if he returns to Japanese baseball, he will be a substitute hitter.

A return to Japanese baseball is a possibility as an option. But for Tsutsuka, it does not seem to be a priority.

He has always said that he wants to play baseball in the U.S. under any circumstances. At the Fan Appreciation Day in the off-season of 2007, just before his departure for the U.S., he announced to the fans of his old team, DeNA, that he would “challenge the Majors! I’m going to try to make it to the Majors! It seems that he is determined to make it to the majors.

If he were to return to Japan, DeNA would naturally be interested in acquiring him. However, the situation is not so easy. The first base and outfield positions that Tsutsuka will protect are occupied by Keita Sano, Ataru Sekine, Masashi Kuwahara, Shugo Maki, and Soto. Even if he returns to the lineup, there is a high possibility that he will be used as a substitute.

So, will any major league team be interested in acquiring Tsutsuka? Tsutsuka’s record in 3A this season is .249 batting average, 6 home runs, and 33 runs batted in. These are not overwhelming numbers, and the advantages of acquiring Tsutsuka are quite low.

The situation is quite difficult. At first, the Angels, who have had a string of injuries, were the candidates. However, in late June, they reinforced Moustakas (Rockies) and Escobar (Mets), who hit a total of 207 home runs. There is almost no chance that Tsutsuka will be moved.

If I had to pick one team, it would be the Yankees. Judge, who won the MVP award last season with 62 homers, a new A-League record, suffered a torn ligament in his right thumb. He has been out of action for a long time. It is conceivable that the team could acquire Tsutsuka as a replacement for Judge in an effort to advance to the postseason.

The trade deadline in the Majors is usually the end of July. Tsutsuka will have to make some kind of decision before then.