Former Top Prospect Returning To MLB After Dominant Stretch In Japan

October 23, 2025 ,
New York Mets pitcher Anthony Kay pitches during 2023 game.

After two dominant seasons in Japan, Anthony Kay is ready to return to Major League Baseball. 

The 30-year-old left-hander, who spent the past two years with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars of Nippon Professional Baseball, will pursue a major-league contract this offseason, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post. 

Kay revitalized his career overseas, posting a combined 2.53 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 249 strikeouts over 291.2 innings, including a club-record 1.74 ERA in 2025.

Anthony Kay’s NPB success revives MLB interest
 Kay’s 2025 campaign was one of the best in Japan, leading the league with a 57.8% ground-ball rate while ranking second in ERA. 

His ability to generate soft contact and command his breaking pitches helped him transform from a journeyman reliever into one of the BayStars’ most reliable starters. 

Before his NPB breakout, Kay spent parts of five seasons in MLB with the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, and Chicago Cubs, compiling a 5.59 ERA in 44 appearances.

Potential MLB fit after breakout overseas
 While a reunion with the Mets appears unlikely, Kay’s improved command and pitch mix could draw attention from teams seeking mid-rotation depth or a reliable lefty swingman. 

His low-risk profile makes him appealing to rebuilding clubs or analytically driven front offices looking for hidden value. After rebuilding his stock in Japan, Kay now re-enters the MLB market as a polished, ground-ball-heavy arm with something to prove.

Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

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