Grant Hartwig, a 27-year-old right-handed pitcher for the New York Mets, has signed with the Hanshin Tigers in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, marking a pivotal turn in his career. After a challenging 2023 MLB season with a 4.84 ERA and a meniscus tear that restricted him to just 6.2 innings in 2024, Hartwig's move signals a fresh start. Previously an undrafted free agent from Miami (Ohio), he demonstrated resilience in Triple-A with a solid 3.42 ERA over 23.2 innings.

The side-winding pitcher, known for his impressive 95 mph sinker, has the potential to thrive in Japan's competitive environment. There’s optimism that he could return to the U.S. with enhanced skills, making him an intriguing player to monitor for fantasy leagues in the coming years.