Former Yankees Pitcher Becomes Star Reliever in Japan
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JULY 07: Nick Nelson #79 of the New York Yankees pitches during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on July 07, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
After running out of minor league team control, a former New York Yankees reliever crossed the Pacific Ocean in a bid to continue and rejuvenate his career. And it has worked wonderfully.
Nick Nelson, a right-handed relief pitcher, has spent the past season in Japan, after joining the Hanshin Tigers of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) last December. The move marked a new chapter for a pitcher whose MLB tenure was, at best, uneven – and he has responded with the best season of his career.
A New Beginning Abroad
Nelson signed with the Tigers on a one-year contract for a reported $1 million plus incentives. It was an amount far in excess of what he would make as a Triple-A player in America, and although Nelson has pitched in at least part of five MLB seasons to date, he never cemented his place enough for the guaranteed contract offers to come in.
The Tigers lost the NPB Japan Series – the end of season match-up, equivalent to the World Series- by four games to one to the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks yesterday, ending Nelson’s 2025 season. But although he did not pitch in the series, Nelson did have a strong overall showing on the year. In 32.2 innings over 23 outings, 21 of which came from the bullpen, he pitched to a 1.93 ERA, and kept his control problems down, yielding only nine walks all year.
By way of example, another former Major League reliever, Javy Guerra, pitched to a 13.50 ERA in his part-season of work for the Tigers. For Fukuoka, former Boston Red Sox right-hander Darwinzon Hernandez threw to a 3.35 ERA in his 40.1 innings of work, and former Toronto Blue Jays righty Roberto Osuna put up a 4.05 ERA in his 26 outings. It is not easy to pitch in Japan. But Nelson took advantage of his fresh start.
Nelson’s Time With The Yankees
Nelson was drafted by the Yankees in the fourth round of the 2016 MLB Draft out of Gulf Coast State College, his second time through the draft process, having also been drafted in the 31st round back in 2014 by the San Francisco Giants. After four years in the minors, he made his major league debut in August 2020, and spent two years with the Yankees at the big league level.
Over his five seasons in the majors with the Yankees and later the Philadelphia Phillies, Nelson appeared in 74 games, compiled a 5-4 win-loss record, and posted a 5.20 ERA across 114.1 innings pitched. He struck out 120, and recorded a lot of ground balls with a fast and tight slider, but always had control issues, and his other pitches – particularly his change-up – were not as effective.
For the Yankees, Nelson was one of several bullpen arms brought in during a period of transition, and a pandemic-affected season. With the Yankees from 2020 to 2021, Nelson made 22 relief appearances, earning a 1-2 record and posting an ERA of 6.43. In his 2020 rookie season, he was solid, posting a 1-0 record in 20.2 innings across 11 games and a 4.79 ERA, but his production fell off in 2021, where he went 0-2 in 11 games with an 8.79 ERA and more than a walk per inning.
In November 2021, the Yankees traded Nelson (along with catcher Donny Sands) to the Phillies in exchange for two minor leaguers (left-hander Joel Valdez and first baseman T.J. Rumfield). His tenure with the Phillies initially saw him used regularly: in 2022, he logged 47 appearances and 68.2 innings with a 4.85 ERA in what was by far the heaviest workload of his majors career, yielding only one home run in a long relief role. But he would only pitch 10.2 more innings over the following two seasons combined, and without having injuries to cite. He was just demoted.
After two down years, Nelson needed to throw a log on the fire of his career. And he has done so. Going to Japan is not necessarily a demotion for American players, neither in terms of prestige or money. It can even potentially lead to a path back to the majors. Nelson, who turns 30 in December, may be hoping he can do just that – but after his strong debut season, the Japanese market will remain open to him, too.
Miami Dolphins Declare War on the NFL: ‘We’re Not Stopping Until We Get There’
The Miami Dolphins are sending a loud and clear message to the rest of the NFL — they are not here to settle for mediocrity. With a roster brimming with talent, drive, and hunger for success, the Dolphins have one goal in mind: the top spot in the league. As the season heats up, it’s clear that Miami is determined to make a statement and show everyone that they are here to stay.
"We don’t play for second place. Every game, we’re here to show we’re the best. The league hasn’t seen anything like this Dolphins team — we’re coming for the top, and we’re not stopping until we get there,"
This bold statement comes as the Dolphins continue to turn heads with their high-powered offense and improved defense. The team has been on a rampage this season, delivering thrilling performances week after week. With a dynamic quarterback, explosive wide receivers, and a defense that is beginning to gel, Miami is making waves in the NFL. The team’s ambition is clear — they’re not just playing for a playoff spot; they’re playing to be the best.
Miami has been working relentlessly to build a team that can compete with the league's elite. The coaching staff, led by head coach Mike Macdonald, has been instilling a winning mindset in every player, from the veterans to the rookies.
The Dolphins' offense has been one of the most exciting in the league, with their explosive plays and innovative schemes. With their star quarterback pushing the ball downfield and their talented receiving corps creating mismatches every game, they’re a nightmare for opposing defenses.
But it’s not just the offense that’s driving Miami forward. Their defense has shown immense growth, with younger players stepping up and veterans leading by example. The defense is becoming more aggressive, making timely plays, and helping the team control the game.
The Dolphins’ statement is not just a rallying cry for their fans — it’s a commitment to excellence. They’ve set their sights on the top of the NFL, and they’re ready to fight for it every week. With the talent, the mentality, and the leadership they’ve built, it’s hard to deny that Miami is poised for greatness.
The rest of the NFL should take notice because the Miami Dolphins are coming, and they’re bringing everything they’ve got. The team’s determination and focus will be key to their success as they continue their march to the top. For the Dolphins, the journey has only just begun, and their eyes are set firmly on the ultimate prize — the championship.
