Former Padres Slugger Close To Signing In Japan, Per Reports

Franmil Reyes took a big leap as a 16-year-old when he signed with the San Diego Padres as an amateur out of the Dominican Republic. 

Now, he's prepared to take another big leap overseas.

According to multiple reports, Reyes has agreed to sign with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball. The former San Diego Padre outfielder and designated hitter had been playing in the Dominican Winter League, but will pause to pursue the new opportunity. 

After five-plus seasons working his way through the San Diego organization, Reyes made his major league debut in 2018 as a precocious 22-year-old. He spent the next two seasons with the Friars, slashed .266/.326/.519 with a .844 OPS from 2018-2019, and saw most of his time in right field. 

The righty slugger also had 43 home runs, 77 RBIs, an OPS+ of 125, and 155 hits in 582 at-bats in 186 games as a Padre. 

Reyes was traded to Cleveland in July 2019, a part of a three-team trade with the Cincinnati Reds involving Trevor Bauer, Yasiel Puig and Taylor Trammell. 

Reyes spent the next three seasons in Cleveland and went to the Chicago Cubs in Aug. 2022 on a waiver claim. He split the 2023 season with the Kansas City Royals and the Washington Nationals. In his time in the majors, he batted .249 and hit 108 home runs and 285 RBIs. 

We wish the former Friar the best in his next journey, and we hope he keeps mashing in the NPB.