Former Phillies, Giants reliever signs NPB contract in Japan

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A former Philadelphia Phillies reliever is taking his talents back to Japan.

The right-hander spent parts of two seasons with the Phillies from 2023-24. He was recently granted his release from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

According to a report from Yuri Kurasawa of Yakyu Cosmopolitan, Yunior Marte has agreed to a contract with Nippon Professional Baseball's Rakuten Golden Eagles.

This will be Marte's second NPB stint. In 2025, he posted a 1.95 ERA in 32.1 innings for the Chunichi Dragons.

"Marte will bring that arsenal back to Japan, presumably in a high-leverage role with the Eagles. He picked up 11 holds and two saves in a half season’s worth of appearances with the Dragons last year," wrote Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors.

"A strong performance could earn him another look with a North American club but would also potentially position him to re-sign for a nice guarantee with a team in Japan or South Korea," added Adams.

Marte has made one appearance in the Majors this season. He managed to record just one out with the Cincinnati Reds, allowing four runs on three hits.

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Neither of his two seasons with the Phillies went particularly well. Overall, he allowed 42 earned runs and walked 32 batters in 65.1 innings in a Phillies uniform.

Marte is clearly comfortable in Japan and should earn a little more money than a minor league contract in the United States.