Koji Uehara, RHP (2017 team – Cubs)
Many would scoff at the idea of bringing in a 42 year-old pitcher, but Uehara is worth the risk. Age hasn’t meant anything to the Japanese righty who was a big part of the Red Sox’ World Series-winning bullpen in 2013.
Over the last three seasons, Uehara, a match-up righty, has been very consistent. In 2015 with Boston he had a 2.23 ERA in 40.1 innings, striking out 47 and walking nine while surrendering 28 hits. In ’16 he pitched 47 innings, striking out 63 and walking 11 while giving up 34 hits.
Last season, after signing a one-year deal with the Cubs that paid him $6 million, Uehara pitched 43 innings, striking out 50 and walking 12 while surrendering 38 hits. He did miss some time with a strained pectoral muscle last season and was sidelined with back tightness in September, but if healthy, Uehara could produce.
Uehara came to the United States after pitching 10 seasons for the Yomiuri Giants in the Japan Central League. He piled up 112 wins against 62 losses in Japan, with a 3.01 ERA. He struck out 1376 in 1549 innings.
Uehara has made over $50 million in nine Major League seasons and, with the market for relievers at an almost ridiculous level this winter, is in line for a hefty payday. It wouldn’t hurt the Indians to kick the tires on Uehara to see what it would take to get him to come to Cleveland.
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