Japanese Hitting Star Masataka Yoshida Officially Posted For MLB Teams

Another big bat has entered the free agent pool, as star Japanese outfielder Masataka Yoshida was officially posted, making him available for all major league teams to pursue.

Star Japanese outfielder Masataka Yoshida has officially been posted, sources tell ESPN. He'll have 30 days to sign a deal with an MLB team. There is significant interest in the 29-year-old, who this year hit .335/.447/.551 with 80 walks and 41 strikeouts for the Orix Buffaloes.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 6, 2022

Teams actually have a 45-day window, until January 20th to strike a deal or he'll stay in Japan. MLB Insider says there is "significant interest" in Yoshida. The 29-year-old hit .355 this season, with a .447 on-base, and a .998 OPS. He also displayed impeccable bat control and selection at the plate, walking twice as much as he struck out. 

Yoshida has a .327 average in seven seasons in the Nippon League, and has won two batting titles. 

Teams known to be interested include the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners. 

Photo: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports