The Phillies are adding a former Nippon Professional Baseball All-Star pitcher as a non-roster invitee to spring training.
Koyo Aoyagi, 31, will battle for a spot on the major league roster with the Phillies in Clearwater. He spent the last nine years with the Hanshin Tigers, making the All-Star team in 2019, 2021 and 2022. Aoyagi won gold at the 2020 Olympics with Samurai Japan and started Game 7 of the Tigers’ Japan Series win in 2023.
Aoyagi is the first player the Phillies have ever signed directly out of Japan. If he makes the major league roster, Aoyagi will be only the third Japanese player ever to appear in a game for the franchise. The others were Tadahito Iguchi in 2007 and 2008 and So Taguchi in 2008.
A former starter and reliever, Aoyagi could be a swingman for the Phillies. The rotation, if everyone stays healthy, is set with Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sanchez, Ranger Suárez and Jesus Luzardo as the five starters. There is one more spot left to win in the bullpen.
Phillies assistant general manager Jorge Velandia spoke with MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki about the signing.
“He’s been a starter and reliever,” Velandia said. “So many different things. Just come and show us what you’ve got. That’s his MO, too. He’s a warrior. He’s a guy who wants an opportunity to come here and pitch in the big leagues.”
A sidearmer, Aoyagi is a ground ball pitcher that averages in the low 90s with his fastball. He had split time between the majors and minors in 2024, posting a 3.69 ERA during his time with the big club.
Aoyagi was posted by the Tigers on Dec. 5. His posting window was set to close at 5 p.m. ET on Friday. As MLB Trade Rumors noted, the Phillies would pay the Tigers 20% of his guaranteed salary as a posting fee if he makes the majors.
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