"After a long run in their rotation, he moved to the bullpen and has ascended to their closer role in recent seasons. The right-hander posted a 3.02 ERA with 16 saves, four holds and only two blown opportunities last year. He's fanned nearly 24% of opponents in his career, but Norimoto's strikeout rate dropped to 17.2% in 2025 and his fastball velocity took a dip as well, sitting around 92 mph this past year (down from his days of sitting 94-95 and climbing as high as 97-98 mph)."
"It's not clear which MLB club had put forth an offer to Norimoto, nor is it clear whether it was even a guaranteed pact. It's a moot point now, as Norimoto will pitch at least his age-35 and age-36 seasons out of the Giants' bullpen in Japan. While it's feasible that he could still make a late-career move to North American ball, that's hard to envision unless Norimoto finds a way to miss more bats while working with what appears to be diminishing velocity."
Takahiro Norimoto, 35, will sign a multi-year deal with the Yomiuri Giants and remain in Japan. He spent his entire 13-year career with the Rakuten Golden Eagles and transitioned from a long run in the rotation to the bullpen, becoming the team's closer in recent seasons. Norimoto posted a 3.02 ERA with 16 saves, four holds and two blown opportunities last year. His strikeout rate fell to 17.2% in 2025 and his fastball velocity dipped to around 92 mph. In 1,838 NPB innings he owns a 3.12 ERA, a 120-99 record, 48 saves and a 23.7% strikeout rate.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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