It’s not the major news on a Japanese superstar that everyone has been pining for, but it’s still a nice depth signing for the Giants. The 31-year-old hit .260/.401/.457 with 10 homers, 44 RBI and three swipes in 279 plate appearances at the Triple-A level in 2023 between the Giants and Rangers.

Tsutsugo was playing for the Staten Island FerryHawks of the independent Atlantic League after opting out of his minor league contract with the Rangers back in June. The 31-year-old veteran first baseman could find himself in San Francisco at some point next month.

Tsutsugo opted out of his minor league deal with the Rangers back in late June and will take his talents to Indy Ball for the remainder of the year. The 31-year-old hasn’t appeared in the majors since the 2022 season.

Tsutsugo has opted out of his minor league contract with the Rangers, which he signed back in January, after batting .249 (42-for-169) with six homers, 33 RBI and two steals across 51 games this season for Triple-A Round Rock. The 31-year-old will head back to free agency in search of a new opportunity.