Quebec Capitales manager Patrick Scalabrini is embarking on a ten-day visit to Japan to scout potential talent for the 2025 season. While optimistic about uncovering new players, he remains realistic about immediate results, considering the financial barriers that may deter other teams. The Capitales previously benefited from Japanese pitcher Ryo Kohigashi, whose successful performance has inspired Scalabrini to pursue prospects from the Musashi Bears, emphasizing the potential of North American baseball opportunities.
Quebec Capitales’ Journey to Japan for Talent Acquisition
As the Quebec Capitales aim for their fourth consecutive championship title, they are turning their gaze towards Japan for potential new talent in 2025. Manager Patrick Scalabrini is gearing up for an exciting ten-day journey to the Land of the Rising Sun, set to commence this Thursday.
“I was invited by businessmen leading an independent league over there,” Scalabrini shared just days before his departure. “Japan presents an intriguing market for us. Our goal is to explore player options while also considering the potential for a long-term partnership.”
Scalabrini’s Optimistic Yet Cautious Approach
In the short term, Scalabrini will oversee a training camp in a Tokyo neighborhood. Although he is optimistic about the prospects, he remains grounded in his expectations. “We believe Japan could be a market that other Frontier League teams might overlook, mainly due to financial factors associated with work visas in the United States,” he noted.
Charles Demers, the new president of the Capitales, emphasized Scalabrini’s unique ability to explore new avenues for player recruitment. “Pat’s skills truly make a difference,” he remarked. However, he echoed a cautious optimism about the immediate outcomes. “Will we find a gold nugget there in the short term? Not necessarily.”
Last season, the Capitales experienced success with Japanese pitcher Ryo Kohigashi, who made 35 appearances mainly as a reliever, achieving an impressive earned run average of 2.66 over 61 innings. Kohigashi initially arrived in North America to play in Drummondville in 2023 but made a significant impact while donning the Capitales uniform, recording 87 strikeouts during the regular season.
His playoff performance also stood out, particularly on September 8, where he allowed just one run in two and two-thirds innings during a crucial game against the Ottawa Titans. Kohigashi became a fan favorite, especially after being spotted in a shopping cart, shirtless and sporting a pink cowboy hat, during the celebratory moments at Canac Stadium.
“Seeing Ryo like that in a cart, going around the bases, was priceless,” Scalabrini chuckled. “Japanese individuals like Ryo are usually quite shy and not very extroverted.”
Scalabrini plans to keep a close eye on several prospects from the Musashi Bears, a team in the Baseball Challenge League. If any players show promise, he is ready to sell them on the idea of experiencing baseball in North America. “A stint with the Capitales can serve as an excellent launching pad,” he stated. “We often highlight the opportunities available in affiliated baseball. We maintain transparency throughout this process, as it helps us in recruitment.”
He pointed to the example of Yuhi Sako, a reliever with the New Jersey Jackals, who secured a minor league contract with the New York Mets organization after two successful seasons. Sako’s journey could serve as an inspiring model for potential recruits from Japan, providing Scalabrini and the Capitales with a compelling narrative to share.