It’s official, Freddy Galvis is heading to Japan.
Jon Heyman of Audacy Sports reported Sunday evening that the veteran infielder has agreed to a two-year deal to join Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks of Nippon Professional Baseball. Nishinippon Sports — via Yahoo! Japan — reported earlier this month that Galvis was likely heading to the Hawks.
Galvis, 31, was re-acquired by the Philadelphia Phillies from the Baltimore Orioles in July. He slashed .242/.302/.407 with 14 home runs and 40 RBIs between the two teams in 2021.
Across parts of 10 major league stints, Galvis has had two stints with the Phillies, while also playing for the Orioles, San Diego Padres, Toronto Blue Jays and Cincinnati Reds.
Two years is also more contractual security than Galvis would have received in American (or Canada), as he was likely looking at a one-year deal. One would assume he’ll also be an everyday shortstop in Japan. He may have reached the point in MLB where he was seen more as a utility man than an everyday player.
Edit 2:37 p.m. ET: According to Heyman, Galvis will make $7.4 million over two years plus incentives.