The past few days have seen several North American-born relievers return to the Majors after pitching overseas. Anthony Kay becomes the latest, as the former first-round pick is reportedly joining the White Sox on a two-year deal. Additionally, another former Met, Danny Young, found a new home after he was non-tendered in November.
White Sox sign Kay
Multiple reports indicated on December 3 that Anthony Kay is returning to the Majors. The White Sox have reportedly agreed to sign Kay to a two-year deal worth $12MM.
The 30-year-old Kay was a first-round pick by the Mets back in 2016. New York traded him to the Blue Jays three years later in the Marcus Stroman deal from 2019.
He worked in parts of five MLB seasons, primarily as a reliever, between the Blue Jays, Cubs, and Mets. Kay had troubles with conceding walks, as he allowed 47 over 85.1 IP at the Major League level.
He spent the last two seasons pitching in the NPB with Yokohama. Kay pitched very well this past season, as he struck out 130 over 155 innings, allowed only 111 hits (6.5), and posted a tidy BB/9 rate of 2.4.
Kay changed his arsenal since going overseas to play in Japan. The left-hander now has more of a diverse arsenal, utilizing a cutter, two-seam/sinker, as well as trying to make use of a curveball.
A curveball was part of Kay’s game in his early Major League days, as was the cutter. But before he went to the NPB, Kay became a heavy four-seamer/slider pitcher.
He’ll likely compete for a role in the White Sox‘s rotation, one that presently includes Shane Smith, Jonathan Cannon, Davis Martin, and Sean Burke.
Braves add Young
On December 2, the Braves signed ex-Met reliever Danny Young to a split contract. Young was non-tendered by the Mets in November.
The 31-year-old Young was a reliable middle relief option for the Mets between 2023 and 2025, primarily thanks to his ability to limit well-hit contact and induce whiffs with a very good sweeper. His breaking ball played well off a low-90s sinker.
Young missed most of 2025 after needing UCL reconstruction in the spring.
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