The 2023 trade deadline is expected to be a good one with lots of players finding new homes with teams gearing up for an October run. The Athletics and Orioles started up the deadline with a trade that is sending RHP Shintaro Fujinami to Baltimore.
In exchange for Fujinami, the Orioles are sending Minor League LHP Easton Lucas to the Athletics. Fujinami is a MLB rookie this season, however, he has spent the last ten seasons in Japan playing for the Hanshin Tigers of the Nippon Professional Baseball League.
Fujinami was added to the Athletics starting rotation, but was not off to the start many hoped. He posted a 14.40 ERA while going 0-4. Oakland moved the right-hander to the bullpen and has seen improvement. Since June, Fujinami has posted a 3.26 ERA and is looking to continue that success in Baltimore.