Red Sox

Red Sox reportedly acquire Japanese rookie pitcher from Rays

Naoyuki Uwasawa is in the midst of his first MLB season after spending the first nine years of his pro career in the NPB.

By Conor Ryan

March 27, 2024

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The Red Sox have reportedly swung a minor trade with an AL East foe on the eve of Opening Day.

According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, the Red Sox acquired 30-year-old right-hander Naoyuki Uwasawa from the Rays for cash considerations.

The Red Sox have not officially announced whether or not Uwasawa — who signed a minor-league contract with the Rays earlier this offseason — will be added to their major-league roster. 

Uwasawa is in the midst of his first MLB season after spending the first nine years of his pro career playing in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He put together a strong 2023 season against NPB competition with the Nippon Ham Fighters, posting a 9-9 record and a 2.96 ERA over 24 appearances.

But Uwasawa did not land a spot on Tampa’s roster after several rough outings against MLB batters in spring training. In 9.1 innings of work with the Rays, Uwasawa relinquished 14 earned runs and 15 hits — resulting in a 13.03 ERA. He struck out nine batters over that stretch, but also walked eight.

While it remains to be seen where Uwasawa begins his career with the Red Sox, the righty should be viewed as more of a depth piece than a potential addition to Boston’s rotation.