MLB’s One-Season Wonders: Daisuke Matsuzaka and 2008

MLB’s One-Season Wonders: Daisuke Matsuzaka and 2008

With many Japanese players, they’re success in Major League Baseball can be hit or miss. The two leagues are both the highest level, yet very different. You could have a Shohei Ohtani on your hands or Daisuke Matsuzaka, who had a lot of promise but never panned out.

Before 2008

Matsuzaka was a terror in Japan. He was arguably the best pitcher and posted absolutely epic stats in the land of the rising sun. Prior to his MLB arrival in 2007, his best season came in ’06 when he went 17-5 with a 2.13 ERA, 0.923 WHIP and 200 strikeouts.

Before Matsuzaka’s first MLB season, the Red Sox signed him to a six-year, $52 million deal including a no-trade clause. Clearly, Boston wanted to go all in on this right-hander.

His first MLB season didn’t pan out the way many thought he would. Matsuzaka struggled to acclimate, going 15-12 with a whopping 4.40 ERA, 4.23 FIP and a 1.324 WHIP. Things looked shaky but there was hope with his 201 strikeouts. He also earned a World Series ring.

2008

In 2008, things seemed to click for Matsuzaka. While his control was still an issue with his American League-leading 94 walks, his ERA dropped to an MLB-career-best 2.90. His ERA+ sat at an excellent 160 and went 18-3. Matsuzaka also allowed the least amount of hits per 9 innings at a rate of 6.9.

He wound up in the Cy Young conversation, finishing fourth in voting behind respected names such as Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay and Francisco Rodriguez.

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After 2008

In the next season, Matsuzaka appeared in the World Baseball Classic as a member of Japan. This forced him to miss most of Spring Training, as he took on a very intensive workload. He struggled immensely off the bat with an inability to retire batters. Boston placed Matsuzaka on the IL with arm weakness.

His troubles continued in the following years. Injuries include neck strains, a Tommy John Surgery, and overall struggle. Matsuzaka’s woes from 2009-12 are reflected in his statistics. He posted a cumulative 17-22 record with a 5.53 ERA, 4.66 FIP, and a 1.537 WHIP.

The tumultuous tenure with Boston finally came to a close in 2013, when Matsuzaka signed a minor league deal with the Indians. This also didn’t pan out. An attempt at an MLB comeback with the Mets also fell through. After a few final seasons in Japan, Daisuke Matsuzaka hung up the cleats for good in 2021.

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