“Japanese Baseball Breakthrough: Could San Diego Padre Star Olivares Make Waves in NPB?”
Nippon Professional Baseball Orix Buffaloes Close to Agreement with Outfielder Edward Olivares
The Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) Orix Buffaloes are reportedly close to agreeing with outfielder Edward Olivares, according to multiple sources from Japan and Venezuela. This news comes as a surprise, as Olivares had recently signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets last month. However, it appears that the Mets will release Olivares, allowing him to pursue this new opportunity with the Osaka-based Buffaloes.
Olivares’ stint with the Pittsburgh Pirates last season was marked by a lackluster performance, as he hit just.224/.291/.333 with five home runs in 196 plate appearances. This was a significant drop-off from his previous seasons, particularly during his time with the Kansas City Royals, where he posted a.270/.322/.410 slash line (106 wRC+) in 559 games over the 2022-23 seasons.
The 28-year-old outfielder made his major league debut with the San Diego Padres in 2020 and went on to play 217 of 285 MLB games with the Kansas City Royals before being traded to the Royals at the 2020 trade deadline. Olivares’ performance in 2023 was highlighted by 385 appearances in a semi-regular role as the Royals’ left fielder.
Olivares’ recent performance in the Venezuelan Winter League likely caught the attention of the Buffaloes, and his ability to adapt to a new league and environment could be a valuable asset for the team. Despite the agreement with the Mets, it’s not uncommon for MLB teams to release players from minor league contracts if they are relatively low on the depth chart. Additionally, Olivares has no minor league options, which would complicate his chances of staying with the Mets even if he makes the active roster at some point.
As Olivares enters his age-29 season, he looks set to begin a new chapter in his career. He will join Jordan Diaz and Luis Perdomo, two non-Japanese players already on the Buffalo roster, as the team looks to rebound from a disappointing 63-77-3 record in 2024.
FAQ:
Q: Why is Edward Olivares leaving the New York Mets?
A: The Mets will release Olivares, allowing him to pursue an opportunity with the Nippon Professional Baseball Orix Buffaloes.
Q: What was Edward Olivares’ performance like with the Pittsburgh Pirates?
A: Olivares hit just.224/.291/.333 with five home runs in 196 plate appearances with the Pirates last season.
Q: What was Edward Olivares’ performance like with the Kansas City Royals?
A: Olivares posted a.270/.322/.410 slash line (106 wRC+) in 559 games over the 2022-23 seasons with the Royals.
Q: Why is Edward Olivares joining the Nippon Professional Baseball Orix Buffaloes?
A: Olivares’ recent performance in the Venezuelan Winter League likely caught the attention of the Buffaloes, and his ability to adapt to a new league and environment could be a valuable asset for the team.
Conclusion:
Edward Olivares’ move to the Nippon Professional Baseball Orix Buffaloes marks a new chapter in his career. Despite a lackluster performance with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Olivares has shown flashes of brilliance in his previous stints with the Kansas City Royals. With his recent performance in the Venezuelan Winter League and his ability to adapt to a new league and environment, Olivares could be a valuable asset for the Buffaloes as they look to rebound from a disappointing 2024 season.
