As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the Oakland A’s have commenced their dealing, sending right-handed pitcher Shintaro Fujinami to the Baltimore Orioles.
In exchange for Fujinami, Oakland received minor-league pitcher Easton Lucas. Fujinami, a 29-year-old player from Japan, joined the A’s before the 2023 season, initially as a starting pitcher before transitioning to the bullpen after four starts.
Despite his ability to throw fastballs averaging 98 miles per hour (ranking him 22nd in MLB), Fujinami struggled during his time in Oakland, amassing an 8.57 ERA over 49.1 innings. He particularly struggled with finding the strike zone early in the season, having walked 16 batters in 18 innings, although he has not allowed a walk in his last 11 appearances.
Easton Lucas, a left-handed pitcher who was drafted in the 14th round out of Pepperdine in 2019, boasts a 2.73 ERA across 29.2 minor league innings in 2023. He progressed through the Orioles’ farm system up to AAA.
Fujinami now joins a potential World Series contender with the Orioles, who recently claimed the lead in the American League East and are aiming for their first playoffs since 2016. This trade signifies the ongoing shifts and strategic moves in the MLB as teams adjust their rosters ahead of the impending trade deadline.