Sources: Sanspo / Baseball King

The Hanshin Tigers announced on the 15th that they have signed right-handed pitcher Joe Gunkel (27) to a contract for next season. He is 196 cm (6’5″) tall and weighs 102 kg (225 lbs), and had this to say upon signing: “I’m really excited. I had heard about the high quality of play in Japan from Yakult Swallows’ Scott McGough, and when Hanshin made me an offer, I was really excited. It’s time to get ready for camp and make the most of this chance. I hear the team is looking for me to start games, so I’ll bring my regular style of pounding the zone to Japan.”

A Florida native, Gunkel has never made it up to the majors, but has a 45-39 record with 12 saves in 172 combined minor league games. While playing for AAA New Orleans Baby Cakes this past season, he went 8-2 as a starter, with a 3.80 ERA.

– Here’s what else I learned while poking around the internet for leads:He recently married his longtime girlfriend, Megan, who was a middle school teacher.

– During minor league offseasons, Joe did some substitute teaching to make ends meet.

– He does not strike out a ton of guys, but has good control. His primary pitches are a fastball that ranges from 88 to 92 mph (140-150 km/h), a slider, and a slurve. He is a groundball pitcher.

– He was drafted by the Boston Red Sox, traded to the Baltimore Orioles, and ultimately made his way to the Miami Marlins organization.

– The Orioles kept him on the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft in the 2016 offseason, and then-GM Dan Duquette had this to say about him: “Excellent mental skills, nice delivery, strong body, good control. I like him. I like the way he goes about his job. Really professional kid.”

Welcome to the team, Joe! Hope to see you in person at Koshien in 2020!

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