Twins Free Agent Pitcher Signs With Japan's Nippon-Ham Fighters

 

While major league baseball remains shut down for the foreseeable future due to the labor disagreement, several players have decided to secure themselves a contract for 2022 by heading to the Far East. 

Right-hander John Gant is the latest, signing with the Nippon-Ham Fighters, after declaring free agency from the Minnesota Twins. 

The Twins had acquired Gant from the St. Louis Cardinals at the trade deadline in return for J.A. Happ. Gant posted a 4.09 ERA in 2021, but his time with the Twins saw a 5.61 ERA in 14 games (7 starts). He also had a career-high 5.8 walks-per-nine innings in '21. 

The Twins passed him through waivers after the season, and the 29-year-old elected free agency. 

Gant spent six years in the majors, sporting a solid 3.89 ERA, most of that time with St. Louis. 

Others deciding to opt for a certain contract for 2022 include former major leaguer Yasiel Puig signed with the Korean League's Kiwoom Heroes earlier this week for 1 year, $1M. 

Puig spent 7 years in the majors, including a few impact seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He last played in the bigs in 2019, and spent 2021 in the Mexican League. 

Joining Puig in Korea will be former Yankee Mike Tauchman, who signed with the Hanwha Eagles. 

Photo Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports