The 28-year-old Japanese right-hander has agreed to a 2-year deal in the $6-7 million dollar range. Known to have a rather extensive arsenal of pitches, Arihara’s trademark is his control. The Rangers are hoping his low-90s fastball and his ability to hit his spots plays in the Majors as they look to open a new window of competitiveness.
The NPB giveth and the NPB taketh away. After nine years in the Majors, the Cuban export is headed to Japan to see how he fares there.
In a trade that came out of nowhere, the Washington Nationals gifted themselves a new first baseman/DH for the holidays.