Former Yokohama DeNA BayStars right-hander Trevor Bauer stated in an Instagram video published on October 23, 2024, that Japanese professional baseball is not enjoyable, pointing to persistent foul-hitting and small-ball tactics by hitters.
Bauer, speaking to teammates and staff from a dugout in a reel video shared to his Instagram account, outlined his frustrations accumulated over his two seasons playing in Japan. The 35-year-old pitcher spent the 2023 campaign with the BayStars, recording 10 wins and a 2.76 ERA, before moving to the Mexican League with the Diablos Rojos del México and later joining the Long Island Ducks in the Atlantic League.
In the video, Bauer detailed what he observed from opposing hitters during his time in NPB. “Japanese baseball, to be completely honest with you, is completely boring,” Bauer said. He claimed that every team features at least three batters whose primary job is to foul off pitches rather than hunt for base hits.
Detailed Frustrations With Hitters’ Approach
According to Bauer, Japanese batters use specific strategies to run up pitch counts and pressure starting pitchers. He pointed specifically to left-handed hitters facing a two-strike count, describing an approach where batters attempt to foul off fastballs repeatedly.
Trevor Bauer just threw a no-hitter in his second career start for the Long Island Ducks pic.twitter.com/ctPCGn5ufG
“Those kinds of Japanese hitters are basically there to get starting pitchers out of the game by about the fourth inning,” Bauer said. He described scenarios where hitters lay off a dozen pitches before fouling off a straight, 87-mph fastball down the middle.
At the same time, Bauer acknowledged the raw bat-to-ball skill of NPB hitters. He recalled instances during his stint with Yokohama where batters made contact with pitches that bounced in front of home plate.
“The ability of Japanese hitters to put the ball in play is truly at an unbelievable level,” Bauer said. While noting that power hitters are limited in comparison to Major League Baseball, he emphasized that Japanese players rarely swing and miss, instead relying on singles, speed, and baserunning pressure to manufacture runs.
Current Career Path and Overseas Stints
Bauer continues his career internationally following his departure from Nippon Professional Baseball at the conclusion of the 2023 season. After pitching for the Diablos Rojos del México in the Mexican League, he transitioned to the Atlantic League in April 2024 with the Long Island Ducks before returning to the Mexican circuit in June. His recent social media commentary has drawn public attention from baseball fans across both North America and Japan.
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