The Baltimore Orioles have made a trade to bolster their bullpen, acquiring right-hander Shintaro Fujinami from the Oakland A’s in exchange for minor-league left-hander Easton Lucas. While Fujinami’s 8.57 ERA and 1.66 WHIP may not be impressive on the surface, a closer look at his recent performance reveals why the Orioles targeted him for a middle relief role.
Fujinami struggled earlier in the season while pitching in the A’s rotation. However, since moving to the bullpen in late April, he has shown significant improvement. Over his last 15 outings, Fujinami has posted a 2.70 ERA with 18 strikeouts and four walks in 16 2/3 innings. His best month has been July, where he has allowed just two runs over eight innings with 10 strikeouts and no walks. Overall, Fujinami has recorded 51 strikeouts and 30 walks this season.
Standing at 6-foot-6, Fujinami possesses a wide array of pitches. His four-seam fastball can reach speeds of up to 102 mph, and his splitter is considered his best secondary pitch. Over the past two months, Fujinami has been throwing his splitter more consistently for strikes. He also has a cutter, slider, sinker, and curveball in his repertoire.
According to The Athletic’s instant analysis, Easton Lucas is a reliever with a fastball that ranges from 93-96 mph. He also has an above-average slider and a serviceable changeup, which could potentially allow him to become a full-inning reliever rather than just a lefty specialist. Lucas has displayed a modest platoon split this year, giving up some power to right-handers but limiting walks to hitters on both sides. Given Fujinami’s performance this season, the trade seems like a fair return for both teams.
For the Orioles, who are currently tied for first place in the AL East with the Tampa Bay Rays, the acquisition of Fujinami addresses their need for middle relief. He will join the bullpen as an option prior to All-Star late-inning closer Félix Bautista and setup man Yennier Cano. While Fujinami struggled initially this season, his recent success suggests that he has found his groove in relief. With the Orioles, he is expected to fill a role as a fifth- or sixth-inning pitcher. With a strong farm system, the Orioles will likely shift their focus to acquiring starting pitching before the trade deadline.
As for the A’s, trading Fujinami makes sense as he is a pending free agent and the team is headed for a 100-loss season. Lucas fills a need for the A’s as an upper-level relief prospect with two potential major-league average or better pitches and the ability to throw strikes. The A’s have struggled with their relievers’ command throughout their system, making Lucas’ ability to throw strikes a valuable asset. Additionally, Lucas being a left-handed pitcher is a bonus for a system that lacks left-handed pitching prospects.
In a separate move, the A’s claimed right-hander Tayler Scott off waivers from the Boston Red Sox. Scott will join the A’s bullpen immediately, but there is a possibility of seeing Lucas in the coming weeks.
Overall, the Orioles’ acquisition of Fujinami and the A’s addition of Lucas address specific needs for both teams. The Orioles strengthen their bullpen for their push towards an AL East title, while the A’s acquire a promising relief prospect and add depth to their system. As the trade deadline approaches, both teams will continue to assess their needs and explore further opportunities to improve their rosters.