The Future of Spencer Howard: From MLB to NPB
The baseball world is buzzing with the news that Spencer Howard, once a top prospect for the Philadelphia Phillies, has signed with the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball for the 2026 season. This move comes after Howard's first season in Japan with the Rakuten Eagles and marks a significant shift in his career trajectory. But what led to this decision, and what does it mean for his future?
Howard's journey began with the Phillies, who drafted him in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft. He quickly rose through the ranks, showcasing his talent with a 2.03 ERA in 15 starts across High-A Clearwater and Double-A Reading in 2019. His performance caught the attention of scouts and fans alike, making him a highly touted prospect.
However, the 2020 season brought challenges. With the minor league season canceled, Howard's progress was halted. He made his MLB debut that year, but the shortened season didn't provide him with the opportunity to showcase his skills fully. Despite this setback, he remained a top prospect, ranked highly by various baseball publications.
The following season, 2021, saw Howard's role shift. He started the year in a long relief role, making three appearances before being optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He then returned to the majors as a starter, making seven starts before being traded to the Texas Rangers at the deadline. Howard's performance with the Rangers was mixed, with a 5.72 ERA and a 24.4% strikeout rate.
Howard's time with the Rangers was marked by injuries, limiting his availability. He pitched 62.2 innings across 21 appearances, 16 of them starts, and finished with an 8.37 ERA. This trend continued with the New York Yankees, where he made three appearances with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre before being traded.
In search of stability, Howard joined the San Francisco Giants in 2024. He appeared in seven games, including two starts, with a 5.63 ERA. However, his time with the Giants was short-lived, as he was designated for assignment and claimed by the Cleveland Guardians. Despite his efforts, Howard decided to become a free agent, choosing not to pitch for a U.S.-based organization in 2025.
That's when Howard's journey took an international turn. He pitched in Japan for the Rakuten Eagles, showcasing his talent with a 2.22 ERA across 48.2 innings. This impressive performance led to his signing with the Yomiuri Giants for the 2026 season, marking a significant step in his career.
At 29 years old, Howard has pitched 144 innings at the MLB level with a career 7.00 ERA. His SIERA of 4.77 further highlights his potential. With this move to NPB, Howard continues his quest for a stable role, leaving the MLB in search of new challenges and opportunities.
The baseball world will be watching as Howard takes on a new challenge in Japan. Will he find the stability he seeks? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Spencer Howard's story is far from over.
