Sean Reynolds To Sign With NPB's Yokohama DeNA BayStars

"Reynolds, 27, was non-tendered by the Padres last month. He pitched parts of two seasons with the Friars after coming over alongside first baseman/outfielder Garrett Cooper in the trade that sent lefty Ryan Weathers back to the Marlins. Reynolds was outstanding in a small sample with the '24 Padres, yielding only one run while piling up 21 punchouts in 11 innings (42.9% strikeout rate). He was hit hard in 2025, however, surrendering 16 runs on 20 hits and 17 walks in 27 frames."

"Health may have played some role in Reynolds' 2025 struggles. He opened the year on the shelf due to a stress reaction in his right foot and was promptly tagged for five runs in only 1 2/3 innings upon returning from the injured list. Reynolds then settled in with a tidy 2.14 earned run average over his next 21 frames before being optioned to Triple-A El Paso."

"Reynolds has been a pure reliever throughout his professional career and will presumably be used in that same role over in Japan. The righty sat 96 mph with his four-seamer this past season and coupled the pitch with a slider clocking in at an average of 86.1 mph. He won't turn 28 until April, so with a strong year or two pitching in Asia, there's potential for him to eventual return to North American ball."

Sean Reynolds is signing with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars of Nippon Professional Baseball for his first overseas stint. He was non-tendered by the San Diego Padres after pitching parts of two seasons following a trade from Miami. Reynolds posted an exceptional small-sample 2024 showing with 21 strikeouts in 11 innings but struggled in 2025, allowing 16 runs on 20 hits and 17 walks across 27 frames for a 5.33 ERA. A stress reaction in his right foot delayed his 2025 start, and his performance fluctuated between strong stretches and difficult outings that included control issues. He profiles as a reliever who averaged a 96 mph four-seam and an 86.1 mph slider, and a strong NPB season could reopen North American opportunities.

Read at MLB Trade Rumors