The Chicago Cubs have done a good job of developing their pitching prospects in recent years and turning them into Major League players as either part of their roster or as trade chips to acquire other pieces.
Thomas Hatch was one of those players for the Cubs after they selected him in the third round of the 2016 MLB Draft.
The right-handed pitcher spent roughly two-and-a-half seasons in Chicago's farm system as a starting pitcher. Across 73 starts and 368 1/3 innings pitched, Hatch had a record of 17-27 with an ERA of 4.11.
In 2019, the Cubs traded him to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for Major Leaguer David Phelps.
Hatch made his debut with the Blue Jays in 2020, throwing 2 1/3 innings in his first start. He allowed zero hits and zero earned runs, but never made another start again for Toronto that season. He appeared in 17 games overall, 16 of them in a relief role.
After that, the righty dealt with an elbow injury that landed him on the 60-day injured list during the 2021 season. This limited him to only four Major League appearances over 2021 and 2022.
The former Chicago farmhand was eventually designated for assignment in 2023 and was claimed off of waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Hatch played 12 games for the Pirates and registered a 4.03 ERA across 22 1/3 innings pitched.
Upon being released by Pittsburgh after the season, he decided to pursue professional baseball opportunities overseas.
According to MLB Trade Rumors, Hatch signed a deal worth $1.3 million with the Hiroshima Carp in Japan's NPB. In 2023, they finished second in the Central League with a record of 74-65.
Hatch will now go overseas to continue his professional career.
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