Takahiro Norimoto Weighing MLB Offer Amid Growing U.S. Interest

Veteran Japanese reliever Takahiro Norimoto is thinking about a late-career jump to Major League Baseball. At least one MLB team has already made him an offer.

At the same time, the longtime Nippon Professional Baseball standout is looking closely at his options in Japan. With a decision coming soon, Norimoto’s situation feels like a mix of timing, experience, and a bit of late-career leverage.

Norimoto at a Career Crossroads

At 35, Takahiro Norimoto is in new territory. He’s spent his entire professional career with the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles.

Now, as an unrestricted free agent, he can explore opportunities on both sides of the Pacific. The real question isn’t whether he can still pitch—he’s shown he can—but where his skill set fits best at this point.

From Workhorse Starter to Reliable Closer

Norimoto’s 13 years in NPB really show how adaptable he’s been. He spent most of his career as a starter but moved to the bullpen in the last two seasons.

That switch worked out. As Rakuten’s closer, Norimoto converted 48 of 53 save opportunities and proved he could handle pressure, even if he doesn’t have blazing fastballs.

Recent Performance and Pitching Profile

Statistically, Norimoto’s been steady. In 2024, he posted a 3.46 ERA, and last season he had a 3.02 ERA over 56 2/3 innings.

These aren’t eye-popping numbers in today’s world, but they show he knows how to pitch—mixing up sequences, hitting spots, and getting weak contact.

Stuff Over Speed

Norimoto doesn’t light up the radar gun. His fastball usually sits at 92 mph, which is pretty average for MLB.

His real weapon is an above-average splitter that’s tough on both righties and lefties. Still, there are some limits:

How MLB Teams Might View Norimoto

To MLB teams, Norimoto probably looks like a middle reliever or depth bullpen arm. He’s not coming in as a closer, but his experience and cool head could help in lower-leverage or matchup spots.

Given his age and style, he’s probably looking at a modest one-year contract with some incentives for appearances or innings.

Experience as a Selling Point

For teams that value stability in the bullpen, Norimoto’s résumé matters. Thirteen seasons in NPB, playoff innings, and a smooth shift to late-inning relief all show a guy who knows how to adapt and prepare.

Leverage and the Japanese Market

Norimoto’s MLB interest might also be a bit strategic. With over nine years in NPB, he’s an unrestricted free agent and doesn’t need a posting fee to sign anywhere.

This freedom lets him shop the market, and a little MLB buzz could nudge NPB teams to improve their offers.

A Decision Coming Soon

Norimoto faces a big choice soon—will he chase a fresh challenge in the United States, or take a lucrative offer back home? Word is, he’ll decide in just a few days.

For him, this next contract won’t really change his legacy. Still, it’ll shape where and how he wraps up a long, steady career.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Takahiro Norimoto Weighing Offer From MLB Team