Former Red Sox Player Leaves MLB to Play in Japan

Franchy Cordero, the outfielder and first baseman who spent 2021 and 2022 with the Red Sox, appears to be leaving MLB for Japan.

According to reports, Cordero will join the Seibu Lions for the 2024 season, heading to Japan to continue his baseball career.

Find out the latest information and who the Seibu Lions are below.

Red Sox Roster News: Franchy Cordero Headed to Japan

Cordero spent seven seasons in the majors, breaking ground with the San Diego Padres before going to the Royals for a season. He then joined the Red Sox and spent his final year as a Yankee, giving him the rare distinction of playing for both sides of the historic rivalry.

For his career, Cordero hit .217 with 27 home runs and 87 RBIs. He's been dominant at the minor league level, but could never consistently break through in the big leagues.

That makes him a perfect fit for the Seibu Lions and Cordero hopes a change of scenery will unlock his high potential.

Who are the Seibu Lions?

The Seibu Lions were a founding team in 1950 of the Pacific League in Japan, based north of Tokyo.

With 13 Japan Series championships, the Lions are one of the most successful teams in the league's history. That being said, they have not won a title since 2008, falling short in the first stage last season.

Both the club and Cordero hope the pairing can bolster the Lions' chances to return to the Japan Series and earn its first championship in 15 years.

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