Outfielder Jabari Blash has signed a one-year contract worth approximately $1.06MM with the Rakuten Golden Eagles of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball, according to the Japan Times. Robert Murray of The Athletic first reported Blash was headed to Japan.
The 29-year-old Blash came free when the Angels released him Nov. 29, ending his stint with the franchise after one season. An eighth-round pick of the Mariners in 2010, Blash joined the Padres in 2016 in a minor deal with the M’s. Then, after spending two years with the Padres, they sent him to the Yankees last December in a swap which also featured Chase Headley and Bryan Mitchell. Blash wasn’t long for the Yankees, though, as they dealt him to the Halos in yet another minor trade last February.
The power-hitting Blash spent most of last season at Triple-A Salt Lake, where he slashed an excellent .317/.431/.700 (188 wRC+) with 29 home runs in 346 plate appearances. Running roughshod over the highest level of the minors wasn’t anything new for Blash, who has posted a 1.000 OPS and amassed 94 HRs across 1,283 Triple-A PAs. However, Blash hasn’t been nearly that effective in the majors, where he has hit .186/.306/.307 (71 wRC+) with eight long balls in 324 trips to the plate.
LosAngelesAngelesAngelesAngels
I get the feeling he will tear it up
restingmitchface
I think so, too. I wouldn’t be surprised if he put himself back on the map after a couple seasons. I mean, the 324 MLB PA’s we’re pretty bad — but damn, that’s a one hell of a small sample size.
Costanza13
I agree. 324 PA’s is nothing. The Toronto Blue Jays should give him a chance for an outfield spot.
basebalI1600
Hah
STLCards33
What a meaningful and well thought out contribution
stansfield123
Yep. He’s g0nna kill.
disadvantage
I have him pegged for 50 HRs.
GareBear
He has light tower power, this is one of the few times I could see 50 being reasonably possible. Just imagine if he had joined the KBO instead!
xabial
What was the PTBNL Yankees recieved for him!
We deserve to know. Good luck, Jabari. You always mash AAA and no doubt in my mind you’ll mash NPB. $1.06M is pretty legit, and better than any MiLB pact.
BasebaII1600
Big fan of his. Go Yankees.
costergaard2
A friend of mine never liked Headley and loves Blash to this day as the guy Headley left for…
leftcoaster
He’ll hit 100 hr’s there.
petrie000
Guess the means Rakuten is out on Bryce Harper, then?
ChiSox_Fan
That now makes the ChiSox the favorites to sign Harper.
simschifan
That would be funny if one day a huge free agent gets offered like a 10 year 500 million dollar contract in Japan and he goes. I know it’ll never happen but could you imagine Mike Trout going to Japan?
2012orioles
Giraffeneckmarc’s biggest fan
BasebaII1600
It’s hilarious how he started referencing the most random player in his videos and how they ended up actually being friends in real life.
MetsYankeesRedSox
Cool name!
Drop the L in his last name.
SDHotDawg
Congrats to Jabari, the poster boy for 4-A players. He’s a nice guy, and he should do well over there.
PhilliesFan012
Wladimirs HR record about to be erased McCain good Luck Blash!
stansfield123
I think Jabaris’ gonna do great in Japan, but Wladimir would’ve mashed in the Majors too. That record (60 untainted homers in a 142 game season) is in less danger than Maris’ 61 in a 162 game season, (actually, I predict Judge is gonna break 61 in the next three years).
Paul Heyman
Goodbye Goat!
TooToughToScuffle
Doubt he hits as good as Triple A. More pressure. Probably will still mash a bunch of homers though.
Yort
3 years from now Jabari will be a legend in this league!
EasternLeagueVeteran
The next Eric Thames…..
Soldierofgod619
One of those too good for AAA not good enough for the Majors. 1million for 1 season is a nice deal in my opinion. Another former padre goes to Asia
619bird
Mitchell needs to go to Japan. Guy is kid kerosene. Maybe the Padres can trade him for some Koi Fish.
costergaard2
btw… if you’ve never ventured across the pond and seen Japanese baseball, do yourself the favor and go, it’s really fun to experience in person.
stansfield123
Yeah, the audience gets involved in the game a tad more :). Imagine the “wave” you (sadly) see at Yankee Stadium during most regular season games, replaced by everyone fully focused on the game, and screaming out personalized chants for each hitter as they come to the plate.
Lefty Grove’s right hand
Prime example of a AAAA player. Yet, I was hoping he would’ve it in the majors.
EasternLeagueVeteran
The current Roger Freed. Great guy. Great AAA power before the time of launch angles. But couldn’t really do it in the major leagues. Most of you guys would have to
Look that one up, though.
27doWN
Wish him the best of luck. I remember seeing his highlights one night on espn. It must have been spring training, where hit 3 hrs with a combined distance over 1200ft.
InternetBaseballGuy
RIP ANGELS. Good luck winning another World Series without that guy! Jafari Splash!
RedRooster
Lotta former Padres going to play in Asia this year
stevep-4
Bull Durham would have been a very short movie if Crash Davis had signed with a Japanese team. Or, something more like Gung Ho.