Shintaro Fujinami’s Next Move: Overcoming Struggles with High Walk Rates and MLB Insights

In 4 and 2/3 innings, he allowed 6 walks and posted an ERA of 7.71…

This is the performance of Shintaro Fujinami (30), who is under a minor league contract with the Mariners, in 5 spring training games as of March 17th (all statistics as of that date).

Despite being invited to the major league camp, his control issues persist. His WHIP (walks and hits per inning pitched), which is crucial in the majors, is even worse than the minor league level at 1.93, compared to the minor league standard of 1.40. His average walks per game stands at 11.6, more than three times higher than last season’s MLB average of 3.4.

“In the March 16th game against the Padres, he came in as the fourth pitcher and went one inning without giving up a run, but allowed 1 hit and 2 walks. Of the 23 pitches thrown, only 11 were strikes, less than half. After the game, he commented that he ‘couldn’t help but think about his form during the game,’ showing he was unsatisfied with his performance.

Fujinami has an excellent fastball that exceeds 160 km/h. The Mariners’ coaching staff highly values it and has advised him to throw more fastballs, but he is still struggling. In the spring game against the Padres, despite throwing 18 fastballs out of 23 pitches, he continued to struggle with his control.” (Sports newspaper reporter)

Starting in the minors seems realistic

Fujinami’s control issues have been a concern since he entered professional baseball with the Hanshin Tigers.

“During his first few years, when he had double-digit wins, it wasn’t as much of an issue. However, as his performance declined, his control problems worsened. Fujinami experimented with his form, even switching to a sidearm delivery, but he couldn’t pinpoint the root cause, and improvement never came,” said a source.

This year marks the third year since Fujinami’s challenge in the majors, but he still hasn’t delivered the results that would satisfy fans. Given his current performance, a major league call-up seems unlikely.

Former major league pitcher Mack Suzuki, who also played with the Mariners, explains:b

If he returns to Japan, there is speculation about a surprising new team for him.

Fujinami, Hanshin

In December 2021, Tsuyoshi Shinjo, the manager of the Nippon-Ham Fighters, expressed his interest in Fujinami during a YouTube video with former team member Tsutomu Iwamoto, saying, “There’s one player I want: Fujinami from Hanshin. If he comes to my team, he’ll blossom.” Shinjo has repeatedly shown interest in Fujinami.

Former Major League pitcher Mac Suzuki also gives his endorsement.

“Fujinami has a fastball that other pitchers don’t have, and when it’s on, even major league batters can’t hit it easily. I think Manager Shinjo understands this very well. He will work to maximize Fujinami’s strengths and abilities.”

“Fujinami’s control issues are likely influenced by his mindset, which tends to become negative. Rather than using a coaching method that forces him into a recovery or form overhaul, it’s important to let him play freely and confidently. Under Manager Shinjo at Nippon-Ham, Fujinami could transform.”

Fujinami has been struggling in the United States, and the time is approaching for him to decide where his next opportunity will be.