DENVER, COLORADO – JULY 02: Pitcher J.B. Wendelken #48 of the Arizona Diamondbacks throws against the Colorado Rockies in the sixth inning at Coors Field on July 02, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Yokohama Baystars of Nippon Professional Baseball have signed former MLB pitcher J.B. Wendelken, who spent the 2022 season with the Diamondbacks.
Right-handed pitcher J.B. Wendelken and the Yokohama Baystars of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) are in agreement on a one-year contract that can reach $3 million, according to a source familiar with the situation.
The deal, which includes incentives and a team option for 2024, was negotiated by Phil Terrano of WSM, Tony Ciccolella of ASG Baseball and Shaun Inouye of Amuse.
J.B. Wendelken signs with Yokohama Baystars of Nippon Professional Baseball
Wendelken, 29, showed early promise in his first few seasons with the Oakland A’s. In 2018, he posted a 0.54 ERA in 13 appearances, and posted a 1.80 ERA in 21 appearances in 2020. But he struggled in 2021 (4.33 ERA), was designated for assignment, and was picked up by the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Wendelken, however, possesses a fastball spin rate that ranks in the 87th percentile and has a fastball velocity that ranks in the 72nd percentile.