Naoyuki Uwasawa: Rookie Year Struggles and Outlook
Using his rookie data, we consider whether Uwasawa can adapt going forward.
Uwasawa moved from Nippon-Ham to MLB in 2024 and struggled early, in part because he lacks a true velocity advantage.
His breaking ball quality isn't bad, but his mix needs reshaping against MLB hitters' elite contact skills.
He has retried via the minors — with the right adjustments, sticking in the majors remains realistic.
2026 is likely the pivotal year for his continued MLB career.