Over the years, we have seen many MLB top prospects that failed to live up to their potential. As a result, many have headed overseas searching for the opportunity to resurrect their careers. One of those players just so happens to be former Philadelphia Phillies can’t-miss pitching prospect Spencer Howard.
Last week, it was announced that the former Phillies top prospect will spend another year overseas, as the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) inked Howard to a one-year contract to stay in Japan for the 2026 season.
Former Phillies No. 1 prospect Spencer Howard staying in Japan after successful 2025
Howard, now 29, was a former second-round selection by Philadelphia back in the 2017 MLB Draft. Equipped with a high-90s fastball that graded out to a 65, along with a devastating changeup, he was at one time the No. 1 prospect in the Phillies organization and among the top 50 MLB prospects in 2021, according to MLB Pipeline.
However, despite some success in the minor leagues, Howard was never really able to translate it to the major league level. He spent two seasons with the Phillies between 2020 and 2021, struggling to a 1-4 record with a 5.81 ERA and a 1.56 WHIP, with 27 walks and 54 strikeouts in 52 2/3 innings over 17 appearances that included 13 starts.
Howard was ultimately dealt at the 2021 trade deadline in a package to the Texas Rangers that landed Philadelphia veteran right-handers Kyle Gibson and Ian Kennedy, along with prospect Hans Crouse and cash.
Despite having further stops with the Rangers, San Francisco Giants, and Cleveland Guardians, he was never able to find his footing in the majors, leading to his departure from MLB to head overseas following the 2024 season.
Last season, Howard played for the Rakuten Golden Eagles in Japan where he posted a solid 6-3 record with a 2.45 ERA and 1.09 WHIP, yielding just one home run all season with 57 strikeouts in 73 1/3 innings over 15 games. Despite the newfound success, Howard has chosen to spend another year in Japan with the Yomiuri Giants instead of looking for an opportunity to return to MLB.
Perhaps after another strong showing this upcoming season, the 29-year-old right-hander can seriously consider a comeback to the major leagues. At that point, a potential reunion could even be in the cards with the Phillies if Howard manages to impress.