Padres Sign Japanese Pitching Prospect

The San Diego Padres have tapped the international market once again.

Right-hander Tatsuya Nogami has signed a minor-league contract with the Padres, according to his transactions page. Nogami is a 20-year-old from Japan. The Padres still have money in their international budget for 2026.

Not much is known about Nogami. There is some info about a player of the same name that seems to line up with Nogami on this page, which has been translated. Nogami is 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds who was up to 90 mph in high school. He throws a four-seamer, cutter, slider, curve and splitter.

Certainly a player who will need some development.

The signing period runs through Dec. 15. Next year's signing period begins Jan. 15, although there is a possibility that is affected by the collective-bargaining agreement negotiations as an international draft is possible.