The Red Sox bullpen will have some new names in 2021.
On Tuesday, the team officially announced it has signed Japanese relief pitcher Hirokazu Sawamura to a two-year contract through the 2022 season, with a dual club/player option for the 2023 season.
The right-hander's fastball hit 99 mph last year with Chiba Lotte and he pairs that with a 90 mph splitter. While he sometimes struggles with control, he averaged over 12 strikeouts per nine innings last season.
Sawamura, 32, spent his entire career with the Yomiuri Giants until they traded him to Chiba Lotte midway through last season. He posted a 1.71 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in 21 innings after the trade.
In addition to Sawamura, the Red Sox have added Matt Andriese, Adam Ottavino and Garrett Whitlock to the bullpen this offseason.
