When major league spring training officially opens on 2/12/25 with the reporting and first workouts for pitchers and catchers it will also mark an opening of hopefully an ongoing flow of talent to the Phillies from Japan. According to my research RHP Koyo Aoyagi will be the second Japanese pitcher to appear as a non-roster invitee to Phillies major league spring camp - RHP Tomoyuki Uchiyama was in camp with the Phillies in 1998 and pitched at Reading (AA level) that season, his only year with the organization.
Aoyagi will also become the first Phillies Japanese player since outfielder So Taguchi played in the NLCS for the World Series champion Phillies in 2008 - Taguchi attended spring training that season as well after signing with the Phillies in December of 2007. Infielder Tadahito Iguchi also played for the 2008 Phillies having been acquired in a July trade with the Chicago White Sox in 2007, being released in November of that year and then re-signing with the Phillies in September of 2008 after being released by the San Diego Padres. Iguchi did not play in the 2008 post season but did play in three games with the Phillies in the 2007 NLDS.
In regards to the Phillies Japanese player minor league history my research found that Takahiko (G.G) Sato was a minor league catcher/outfielder with the Phillies organization who played with them from 2000 to 2003 reaching Low A level Lakewood before returning to Japan and playing for the Seibu Lions organization from 2004 to 2011. Prior to that two Japanese minor leagues played for the Phillies organization in 1998 at the rookie league level in Martinsville - RHP Masahiro Tanaka was 21 years old at the time and infielder Takehito Ishida was 20 years old. Tanaka played two seasons with the Phillies organization (1998-1999) while Tanaka played just one. I did not explore any further into the past however there is not a great amount of Japanese player history to consider with the Phillies organization.
When he takes the field Koyo Aoyagi will become the most established pitcher from the Japanese major leagues to wear a Phillies uniform. The thirty one year old played for the Hanshin Tigers from 2016 to 2024 and has a career record of 61-47 in 154 appearances with a 3.08 ERA posting 647 K’s against 299 walks. He is a three time league all-star (2019, 2021, 2022) and is a side arm ground ball pitcher with a four pitch mix (fastball, a sweepy slider, a split-changeup and cutter).
From my perspective it’s a big deal that the Phillies enlist a pathway to the Japanese player market. International baseball has progressed significantly and multiple talents have interest in pursuing Major League Baseball playing careers. To date the Phillies have not been seen as a popular option to do so in Japan whether that be related to culture, recognition, geographical proximity or other factors. It’s important to change that perception - perhaps Mr. Aoyagi becomes the first of many more to come.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
And yes I know what day it is but thought I would sneak a baseball article in anyways 🤓 - Go Birds!
Koyo Aoyagi
Note : I've partnered with Fanatics on Phillies Merchandise - if you would like to help support my website and articles here's a link to order merchandise - I get a small commission on any sales - thanks for the support.
Comments