Blue Jays Sign Japanese Pitcher Tomoya Kinjo, 23, Who Throws 97 MPH
The Toronto Blue Jays signed 23-year-old Japanese pitcher Tomoya Kinjo, who can throw a 97 mph fastball. The deal is pending a physical exam and is part of the current international signing period.
The Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to sign Tomoya Kinjo, a 23-year-old right-handed pitcher from Japan who can reach 97 mph with his fastball. The deal is pending a physical exam and falls under the current international signing period.
Kinjo brings impressive velocity to a Blue Jays team that has been dealing with rotation injuries. His fastball speed puts him among the harder-throwing prospects in baseball, where the average major league fastball sits around 94 mph.
The signing comes as Toronto looks to bolster their pitching staff for the 2024 season. International signings like this allow teams to add young talent from overseas markets, often at lower costs than domestic free agents.
Details about the contract terms have not been released. The Blue Jays will likely develop Kinjo in their minor league system before he sees major league action.
The Blue Jays need pitching help after injuries to their starting rotation. Adding a young pitcher who throws nearly 100 mph could strengthen their chances of making the playoffs this season.
Kinjo must pass his physical exam to complete the signing. He will then likely start in the Blue Jays minor league system.
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