MLB teams are looking to improve their rosters this time of year.
Some of them are handing out $300 million contracts to MLB stars, and others are scouting different leagues and circuits with the hope of unearthing the next gem.
The San Diego Padres discovered Robert Suarez by scouting the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league.
Now, the Arizona Diamondbacks are trying to pull off a similar move.
“The #Dbacks agreed to terms with RHP Scott McGough on a 2-year contract with a mutual option for 2025. In a corresponding roster move, Tyler Gilbert was designated for assignment,” the team announced via Twitter.
MLB insider Ken Rosenthal provides more information about McGough, a veteran of the NPB, Independent Leagues, and the minor league system.
“McGough, 33, had a 2.94 ERA in 232 2/3 innings of relief for the Yakult Swallows in Japan the past four seasons,” he tweeted.
McGough, 33, had a 2.94 ERA in 232 2/3 innings of relief for the Yakult Swallows in Japan the past four seasons. https://t.co/n6IACC6XUQ
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 15, 2022
A Baseball Globetrotter
The right-hander did play in the majors for a brief time, posting a 9.45 ERA in 6.2 innings with the Miami Marlins back in 2015.
After that, he pitched in Double-A and Triple-A for a couple of years, then played for Mexicali in the Mexican League in 2018-19.
That 2019 season was first one with the Yakult Swallows in Japan, as he had a 3.15 ERA as a reliever.
After a 3.91 ERA in 2020, he took it up a notch in 2021 with a 2.52 ERA, and was even better this year with a 2.35 mark.
He is 33, so he is a bit past his prime, but that doesn’t mean he can’t help the D-Backs’ bullpen.
Pitching in Japan often does wonders to a pitcher’s stuff and confidence: just ask Suarez if you don’t believe us.
Arizona hopes they can find lightning in a bottle with McGough.