Baseball fans are buzzing with excitement as discussions surface about the potential move of former MLB player Trey Cabbage to Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league. Cabbage, who had spent the last season playing with the Pittsburgh Pirates, was recently released from the team, reportedly to open doors for opportunities overseas. This release has led many to speculate whether he will continue his career in Japan rather than returning to South Korea's KBO.
Since his draft by the Minnesota Twins back in 2015, Cabbage has demonstrated remarkable talent on the field. Last season, he showcased his skills at the Triple-A level with the Salt Lake Bees, finishing with impressive statistics: a batting average of .306, 30 home runs, and 32 stolen bases, marking a significant achievement known as 'triple-three.' Such statistics highlight not only his power-hitting capabilities but also his speed and agility on the bases.
Cabbage's career took off after his stint with the Los Angeles Angels, where he had the opportunity to play alongside the superstar Shohei Ohtani, currently with the Dodgers. This connection to Ohtani has sparked interest among fans and analysts, wondering if Cabbage will follow in the footsteps of his former teammate by taking his talents to Japan.
According to reports, the Pirates made the decision to part ways with Cabbage to help facilitate his quest for international playing options. Adam Stamp, a journalist covering the Pirates, noted on social media, "The Pirates are allowing Trey Cabbage to pursue opportunities abroad, which could point to his future being closer to the NPB or another league overseas." The buzz surrounding the NPB is not just confined to Cabbage; numerous MLB players eye the lucrative opportunity playing overseas provides, signifying the growing allure of Japanese baseball.
Japan's NPB has gained recognition as one of the most competitive leagues outside Major League Baseball. This past year, several high-caliber players made the leap to Japan, and Cabbage might be the next. The influx of talent from MLB to NPB has raised the stakes and intrigued many teams this offseason. Reports indicate teams are actively pursuing former MLB talent, sparking discussions about team compositions and possible player movements.
Meanwhile, the KBO, which has also been known for its talented athletes, might not be the ideal destination for Cabbage right now. The league has strict rules about foreign player limits—each team can only hold three foreign players at any one time. Currently, with teams busy finalizing their rosters and retaining existing talents, the slots for new players are nearly filled.
Many potential teams for Cabbage have already filled their rosters as reported interests were high but remained unfulfilled due to KBO’s limitations. For example, KIA Tigers were rumored to be interested, but if Patrick Wisdom officially signs with them, it will leave very few, if any, opportunities for Cabbage. On the other hand, the NC Dinos might have room; yet, they are still negotiating with their ace pitcher, which complicates their foreign player quota.
For Cabbage, his success at the Triple-A level and prior experience suggest he could be a strong asset for any NPB team. His ability to hit for average and power, coupled with his exceptional speed, makes him a versatile player. His previous matches displayed not just his skills; they also highlighted his readiness for new challenges. Could this opportunity open doors to stardom through the NPB? Fans are intrigued; the potential for his signing could place him under the spotlight, allowing him to showcase his talent to broader audiences.
The question remains: will Trey Cabbage find his new home soon, and will it be on the emerald fields of Japan? If his previous performance is any indication, the answer may be closer than we think. Baseball aficionados and ever-curious followers of international ball will certainly keep their eyes peeled for Cabbage’s next move.
