Okay, so the offseason is already here, and man, the Atlanta Braves are hunting for fresh arms. Word on the street, specifically from Michael Clair over at MLB.com, is that the Braves are a “potential fit” for NPB pitcher Hiromi Itoh. This isn’t just some vague rumor, either. This comes straight from a scout who actually watched Itoh pitch in Japan, and it could be exactly what the Braves need to bounce back next year.
This Ain’t Your Average Ace, But He’s Got the Goods
Look, Hiromi Itoh isn’t some flashy, big-name star like a Yu Darvish hitting the MLB free-agent market. But don’t let that fool you. This guy has the stuff to win games, like, right now. He might be small for a pitcher, but he makes up for it with pure skill. A scout even told Clair that Itoh has an “extra inch on Kaima Taira, yet he is 40 lbs lighter.” That small frame actually tells you a lot about how he could be used. The scout even said, “He could be an up and down starter, but maybe in relief he might show some more velocity.” And guess what? He proved that in the previous WBC, coming out of the bullpen, slinging 94-96 MPH with some absolutely nasty stuff. We’re talking a deep mix of pitches too, with Yakyu Cosmopolitan noting he uses “10+ unique grips and shapes.” Think about that variety in a tough series. That’s gold.
Forget about guys needing to be massive. Itoh’s numbers speak for themselves. This dude won the Sawamura Award in 2025, which is basically Japan’s Cy Young, with a 2.52 ERA. Even in 2026, when he didn’t dominate quite as much, he still put up a 3.23 ERA and a 2.81 FIP across 172.2 innings. That’s a workload he can handle! The scout even compared his best comp to Yu Darvish, who wasn’t the biggest guy either and still became a major star. And from a movement perspective? NPB has few better fastball specifications than Itoh, who has an excellent feel for spin. The Braves need to stop looking for a savior and start looking for a weapon, and this guy fits the bill.
The Braves Rotation Is a Wreck and Itoh Is a Lifeline
Let’s be real, the Braves rotation is hurting. Spencer Strider has already had two UCL elbow surgeries. Spencer Schwellenbach has a screw in his elbow from a previous fracture. Reynaldo López was battling arm discomfort for six weeks and needed shoulder surgery. That rotation is fragile, man. Adding a pitcher like Itoh, who can throw 94-96 MPH in relief, is just smart. He doesn’t have to start every fifth day. He can come in when the game is on the line, confuse hitters already tired from a long season with those 10+ unique grips.
Itoh isn’t as flashy or hard-throwing as some of the other Japanese aces who’ve come to MLB, but his movement is elite. The scout saw that velocity bump in relief, and that’s the key right there. If he can hit 96 MPH with nasty stuff in short bursts, he’s a perfect fit for a high-leverage role. The Braves just got knocked out of the NL Division Series by the Dodgers. They have the money if the price is right. They just need to see that pitch mix in person, and they’ve got to make this happen. This move could totally change their bullpen for 2027 and give them that edge they need to get deeper into October.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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