Bears News: Kawasaki signs with professional team |
The Chicago Cubs released infielder Munenori Kawasaki on Tuesday so he could find a landing spot with another major league team. Well, he found a landing spot but it was not in the major leagues.
Kawasaki is headed back to Japan to play professional baseball in the Pacific League with the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks according to multiple reports. It was so much fun watching Kawasaki play the game with so much passion and excitement with his teammates. It was very refreshing to see someone clearly loving the game of baseball and enjoying every minute. It's Official - Former Cubs & Blue Jays infielder Munenori Kawasaki has signed with the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks. He's returning to Japan. pic.twitter.com/9RCo94WfUP
The 35-year old fan favorite hit .333 with a RBI and .462 on-base percentage with the Cubs in 2016. He batted .255 during the year with the Iowa Cubs. For his MLB career, he has .237 average with one homer, 51 RBIs, and .320 on-base percentage. He has had stints with the Cubs, Blue Jays, and Mariners in his pro career. In other Cubs news, former reliever Spencer Patton is also playing in Japan this season.