New York Yankees target Kosei Hiroike has emerged as a top prospect in Japan’s collegiate system as the team evaluates international talent pipelines, Yanks Go Yard reported.
The 22-year-old right-handed pitcher out of Keio University in Minato, Japan, throws 97 miles per hour and features two breaking balls. All 12 Nippon Professional Baseball teams passed on him in the recent draft to respect his desire to begin his professional career in the United States.
Hiroike studied biomechanics in college, and analysts believe his coursework helped refine his pitching mechanics. He also grew up idolizing Gerrit Cole, providing him with added motivation to sign with the Yankees, according to Yanks Go Yard.
The New York Yankees are reportedly frontrunners to sign Keio University RHP Kosei Hiroike. Though not a top prospect, he’s topped at 97 mph. He went undrafted last month after making his MLB aspirations clear. His father is the Seibu Lions’ GM.https://t.co/YRDVytbFjf
Hiroike’s father is Koji Hiroike, the general manager of NPB’s Seibu Lions. The familial connection could provide the Yankees with an added level of credibility in future negotiations with posted NPB stars, given the cultural importance of trust and respect in Japan.
This pursuit runs parallel to the team’s meetings regarding Shoki Oda, another young Japanese prospect forgoing an immediate NPB career. These international amateur free agent signings represent a shift in New York’s global scouting strategy under international scouting director Mario Garza.
The franchise previously expanded its reach by signing Hungarian catcher Marko Morua in February and 18-year-old right-hander Chien-Fan Lai out of Taiwan. In August, the organization also signed 17-year-old South Korean third baseman Joh Sung-chul.
Japan remains a major baseball powerhouse, but the Yankees haven’t signed a notable Japanese star since pitcher Masahiro Tanaka arrived in 2014. Landing Hiroike could open the door to both amateur talent and established NPB veterans hitting the free-agent market.
The Yankees maintain their status as the leading candidate to sign Hiroike as international amateur workouts and evaluations continue.
All 12 NPB teams passed on Hiroike in the recent draft to respect his stated preference to begin his professional baseball career in the United States.
The 22-year-old right-hander throws up to 97 miles per hour and utilizes two breaking balls alongside a background in collegiate biomechanics.
His father is Koji Hiroike, who serves as the general manager of the Seibu Lions in Nippon Professional Baseball.
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