In recent years, many struggling MLB players have viewed playing in Japan as a valuable opportunity to revive their professional careers.
The Philadelphia Phillies are familiar with this trend, as former top prospect Spencer Howard joined the Rakuten Golden Eagles of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) earlier this winter. Additionally, ex-bench player Jake Cave signed with the Doosan Bears in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) this offseason.
Now, another former Phillies player is heading overseas. Reliever Yunior Marte has agreed to a one-year, $1.25 million contract with the Chunichi Dragons in NPB, which includes $200,000 in incentives, according to Francys Romero. Marte had previously signed a minor league deal with the Seattle Mariners after becoming a free agent following the 2024 season. As reported by Gaijin Baseball, the Dragons will buy out that contract to bring him to Japan.
Former Phillies reliever Yunior Marte signs with Chunichi Dragons of NPB after MLB struggles
Marte spent the past two seasons with the Phillies after being acquired from the San Francisco Giants in a trade during the 2022-23 offseason. However, the 30-year-old right-hander struggled to find consistency in Philadelphia, never quite living up to his potential. His struggles led to frequent stints with the team’s Triple-A affiliate, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
During the 2024 season, Marte posted a disappointing 6.92 ERA and 1.89 WHIP, surrendering 20 earned runs on 34 hits while issuing 15 walks and recording 23 strikeouts over just 26 innings in 23 relief appearances. His season was epitomized by a disastrous outing against the Arizona Cardinals on August 10.
To make matters worse, shoulder injuries hampered him at both the beginning and end of his rough 2024 campaign. Over two seasons with the Phillies, he compiled a 1-1 record with a 5.79 ERA, 1.73 WHIP, and 61 strikeouts across 65 1/3 innings in 63 games—falling well short of expectations.
Marte had an opportunity to revive his MLB career after signing a minor league deal with the Seattle Mariners in November. However, by choosing to join the Chunichi Dragons, he likely sees playing in Japan as his best shot at getting back on track while securing a steady salary.
With any luck, the former Phillies reliever will find success overseas and earn another shot at the majors in the future.
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