The Yokohama DeNA BayStars of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball have signed right-hander Jon Duplantier for a second season. The 31-year-old previously played for the Hanshin Tigers and had a successful first season in Japan, achieving a 1.39 ERA and striking out 32.4% of batters, though he was limited to 15 starts by injury. Duplantier, a former Diamondbacks prospect, struggled with injuries in MLB and had a brief minor league stint before pursuing opportunities in NPB. His impressive performance may position him for a significant major league contract next offseason if he stays healthy.
