The Book on Kosuke Fukudome

Graduated Prospect Info

Now that he's no longer rookie-eligible, The Book is closed on Kosuke Fukudome as a prospect. This page remains as a historical record of his time in our prospect list.

Last bio and ranking update: 5/8/2008.

CHCKosuke Fukudome
Born 4/26/1977
OF, CHC

A power hitting corner outfielder that most scouts place on par with Hideki Matsui, Fukudome is likely to be the biggest Japanese import into MLB in 2008. The number one overall pick in the Japanese draft of 1999, Fukodome is a left-handed professional hitter, posting OPS's over 1.000 three times in the last five years. If he spends enough time in a hitter's park in MLB, it's possible that he will flirt with 30 homers, but he's more likely to go home with 20.

While primarily a corner outfielder, Fukudome is also experienced at both 1B and 3B. While recent elbow surgery probably means he won't see any action at third again, his versatility is a definite asset.

Player Updates and Notes

Cubs outfielder Kosuke Fukudome's average is now up to .322 (with a .418 OBP), and while he doesn't have the home runs (only one) or RBIs (only 13) to be a serious MVP candidate, his only real Rookie of the Year competition right now is coming from teammate Geovany Soto. Fans who remember Ichiro Suzuki's slow start should be drooling at the thought of what Fukudome might do after he actually gets adjusted to MLB.

5/7/2008 by KDaddy

After four weeks of play, Kosuke Fukudome is number three among National League OBP leaders with a .463 average. Only Albert Pujols and Rafael Furcal are ranked higher.

4/24/2008 by KDaddy

Kousuke Fukudome was 3-for-3 with his first spring home run today, batting from the second spot in the order. Lou Piniella has now changed his mind four times on where to bat Fukudome, and it's only March 4th.

3/4/2008 by KDaddy

Lou Piniella, having had a look at Fukudome in the flesh, now believes he might hit third in the Cubs order, rather than lower. This makes sense, as Fukudome should be closer to an on-base machine than a masher. If Piniella sticks to this (this is Lou, after all) Fukudome's value just went up: he'd hit directly in front of Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez.

2/22/2008 by KDaddy

As rumored earlier this week, Kosuke Fukudome and the Chicago Cubs have reached a preliminary agreement on a $48 million, four-year contract.

12/12/2007 by BallGrrrl

The field of teams that have made offers to Fukodome now includes both Chicago ballclubs, with the Cubs believed to have offered longer-term contract, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The Texas Rangers have also shown interest.

12/11/2007 by BallGrrrl

Fukodome has announced that he will be leaving Japan and will sign with an MLB team for 2008. The leading contenders for the MVP free agent include the San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, L.A. Dodgers and Kansas City Royals. The Royals and Padres, in particular, are believed to have already extended contract offers, but San Francisco may have the most to gain here, if they're willing to overspend.

12/10/2007 by BallGrrrl

Outfielder Kosuke Fukudome plans to make a formal announcement early next week on whether he will remain in Japan in 2008 or pursue offers to play in the United States, his agent Joe Urbon said.

12/8/2007 by BallGrrrl

 

 

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