Padres Seal Deal with Japanese Phenom Matsui, Shortest MLB Pitcher

Japan relief pitcher Yuki Matsui throws during the eighth inning of the first round Pool B game between South Korea and Japan at the World Baseball Classic at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo on March 10, 2023. Ma

In a bold move that is sure to ignite the baseball world, the San Diego Padres have tapped into the creative realm of Japanese talent. They have successfully snagged Yuki Matsui, a 5-foot-8 left-handed reliever, for a five-year contract. Matsui's stature may be diminutive, but his skills on the mound tower above the rest.

Hailing from the prestigious Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, Matsui is no stranger to accolades. This five-time All-Star has dominated the Pacific League, leading in saves not once, not twice, but three times – in 2019, 2022, and this very year. It's safe to say that Matsui knows a thing or two about sealing the deal.