Veteran right-hander Shintaro Fujinami has signed with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars of Nippon Professional Baseball, the team announced Tuesday. Fujinami pitched in the NPB from 2013-22 and put up a quality 3.41 ERA in 994 1/3 innings, leading to interest from major league clubs. He joined the Athletics on a one-year, $3.25 million deal heading into 2023, which proved to be his lone season in the bigs. Fujinami combined for 79 innings and a disastrous 7.18 ERA that year between the A's and the Baltimore Orioles. The 31-year-old has since spent time with the New York Mets and Seattle Mariners, but he was unable to crack the majors with either team. Fujinami logged a 5.79 ERA in 18 2/3 frames with the Mariners' Triple-A affiliate in Tacoma this season before returning to Japan.

According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Seattle Mariners have signed right-handed pitcher Shintaro Fujinami to a minor-league contract with an invite to spring training. Fujinami made his big league debut with the Oakland Athletics in 2023. In his first season, the right-hander had a 7.18 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP in 79 innings. He struck out 83 batters but struggled with his command, posting a hefty 12.3% walk rate. Last summer, Fujinami spent the entire season in the Mets system. He logged 32 1/3 innings with Triple-A Syracuse and posted a poor 6.68 ERA and a 1.52 WHIP and missed time due to a shoulder injury. Given his struggles in the majors, Fujinami will compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster but will likely open the season in the minor league.