Jonathan Albaladejo has signed a one-year, $950,000 contract with the Yomiuri Giants of Japan’s Central League, according to the Associated Press.
Albaladejo was released by the Yankees earlier this month after he informed the team about his plans to play in Japan.
The 28-year-old right-hander originally came over from the Nationals in the Tyler Clippard trade in December of 2007. He posted a 4.70 ERA in 49 relief appearances with the Yankees, including a 3.97 ERA and 8/8 K/BB ratio over 11 1/3 innings at the big league level this past season. Albaladejo spent most of the year as the closer with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, posting a 1.42 ERA, 43 saves and an 82/18 K/BB ratio over 63 1/3 innings.
He probably deserved better with the Bombers, especially during his transformation this past season, but some success in Japan should afford him another opportunity in the big leagues.
