The Philadelphia Phillies do not have a strong track record of signing players from Japan. Like many other teams, they missed out on securing the latest Japanese sensation, Roki Sasaki, who opted to join the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday.
However, the Phillies made progress in adding Japanese talent by signing pitcher Koyo Aoyagi to a minor league contract, as reported by Lochlahn March of *The Philadelphia Inquirer*. Aoyagi’s deal includes an invitation to spring training. The 31-year-old pitcher is one of the newest players from Japan aiming to make an impact in Major League Baseball.
### Phillies Sign Three-Time NPB All-Star Koyo Aoyagi to Minor League Deal
Aoyagi spent nine seasons with the Hanshin Tigers in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), compiling a 61-47 record and a 3.08 ERA. A three-time NPB All-Star (2019, 2021, and 2022), the sidearm pitcher brings a unique skill set to Philadelphia.
Phillies assistant general manager Jorge Velandia explained the team’s interest in Aoyagi in an article by MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki:
“We like [Aoyagi] for his uniqueness,” Velandia said. “You don’t see many guys with a sidearm angle. He’s been a warrior in Japan, serving as both a starter and a reliever. He’s versatile. We’re excited to see what he can do here. He’s eager to prove himself and take this opportunity to pitch in the big leagues.”
While the Phillies’ starting rotation is currently set, Aoyagi’s experience as both a starter and reliever positions him as a candidate for a bullpen role, which has an opening following the departures of Carlos Estévez and Jeff Hoffman.
Unlike high-profile Japanese players such as Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki, who all joined West Coast teams, Aoyagi chose to bring his talents to Philadelphia. If he makes the roster, he will become just the third Japanese player to play for the Phillies, joining Tadahito Iguchi (2007–08) and So Taguchi (2008).
Velandia emphasized the significance of this signing:
“It’s beneficial for everyone involved,” he said. “We’ve been building relationships in Japan, and this is a step forward. Aoyagi brings a new dimension to our pitching staff with his sidearm delivery. Roster spots are competitive, but we’re glad he chose the Phillies and that we showed him this is a great fit.”
Aoyagi features a four-pitch mix: an 87–91 mph fastball, a cutter, a sweeping slider, and a split-changeup, according to Zolecki. His versatility as a pitcher, coupled with the Phillies’ bullpen needs, makes him a compelling option.
Whether Aoyagi earns a spot on the roster will depend on his spring training performance, but his experience and skill set make him an intriguing addition to the organization.
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