Grant Hartwig, a right-handed relief pitcher, has signed with the Hanshin Tigers in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) after being released from a minor league contract with the New York Mets last month. This move seems to be a strategic decision for Hartwig to explore new opportunities abroad.
At 27 years old and standing 6’5″, Hartwig had an up-and-down tenure with the Mets, pitching in the major leagues for two seasons. During his rookie year in 2023, he recorded a 4.84 ERA over 35 1/3 innings. His previous season was hampered by injury, as he spent a significant time recovering from a meniscus tear that required surgery. Overall, Hartwig made four MLB appearances, allowing six runs in 6 2/3 innings of work.
Despite his challenges, Hartwig demonstrated resilience, particularly in the minors, where he maintained a solid 3.42 ERA across 23 2/3 innings in Triple-A this year. Interestingly, although he faced some difficulties with unearned runs, he managed to strike out 29% of batters and had an admirable 8.8% walk rate while averaging nearly 95 MPH on his sinker.
By moving to NPB, Hartwig is expected to secure a more substantial contract than he might have obtained by remaining in the U.S. and competing in Triple-A. This transition marks a new chapter in his career, and he could make a significant impact in Japan’s competitive league.
This opportunity is not only a fresh start for Hartwig but also reflects the increasing trend of American players seeking success in international leagues. As he embarks on this new journey, fans will be eager to see how he adapts and thrives in the Nippon Professional Baseball environment.