Kim was strategically posted at 8:00 AM ET on Thursday, December 5, with a deadline set until 5:00 PM ET on Friday, January 3, 2025, to sign with an MLB club. It's important to note that the KBO posting window is shorter compared to the NPB posting window. His former team, the Kiwoom Heroes, is set to receive a release fee from his new organization.

Shinnosuke Ogasawara - A Promising Pitcher

2024 Stats in NPB

In 2024, Shinnosuke Ogasawara showcased remarkable stats in NPB. He had a record of 5-11 with 144.1 innings pitched and a solid 3.12 ERA. His strikeout rate per 9 innings was 5.1, and his walk rate was 1.4. This shows his ability to control the game and keep the opposing team at bay.Despite not having the same upside as some other pitchers like Sasaki or the long track record of Sugano, there is a lot to admire about the 27-year-old left-hander. After six seasons in NPB, he took a significant step forward in 2022 and even earned an All-Star selection in 2023. His professional experience is far greater than that of most North American pitchers of his age.

Durability and Value

One of Ogasawara's key strengths is his durability. He has thrown at least 140 innings in each of the past four seasons, averaging more than six innings per start. This durability gives him a higher floor in MLB. Even if he struggles to miss bats, he can still provide value as an innings eater.Although his 3.12 ERA from 2024 might not seem extremely impressive at first glance, it's important to consider the low run-scoring environment in Japan. His strikeouts per nine took a concerning dip to a career-low rate, but his overall performance and consistency over the years cannot be ignored.Ogasawara's ability to maintain a high level of performance and stay on the mound for extended periods makes him a valuable asset. His experience and potential make him a player to watch as he considers a move to the MLB.