The Saitama Seibu Lions announced on Tuesday that they added RHP Burch Smith. He will wear No. 54, last worn by Zach Neal.
Smith, who will be 32 in April, last played for the Oakland Athletics from 2020-2021. Last season, he was a middle reliever and his role diminished to low leverage due to a poor performance. He threw 43.1 innings with a 5.40 ERA to go with 28 strikeouts.
Smith had the following statement:
I very honored to sign a contract with Saitama Seibu Lions and play against the best NPB players to our wonderful fans. I am looking forward to learning a lot from now on, including Japanese culture. I've been training this offseasonn so I want to bring the [pennant] flag to Saitama with my new teammates!
He previously played for the San Francisco Giants, Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City Royals and San Diego Padres at the MLB level. Smith was originally drafted by thePadres in the 11th round of the 2011 MLB Draft where he made his Major League debut in 2013.
His best year in MLB was with the Royals in 2018, where he started six games and appeared in 38 total with a 6.92 ERA in 78 innings of work.
With the Lions, Smith could compete for a 7th or 8th inning reliever role. With Kaima Taira as the closer, the setup position remained uncertain all season long in 2021. General Manager "Nabe-Q" hinted that Smith could also be a starter.
Smith is the fifth import signing by the Lions, which includes P Dietrich Enns, OF Brian O'Grady, P Bo Takahashi and IF Jantzen Witte.
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