Per MLB Trade Rumors, Uehara has pitched 138 2/3 innings for the Red Sox, with an incredible 1.75 ERA with a strikeout rate of 11.7 K/9 innings against a walk rate of only 1.1 walks per 9 innings. That's including the terrible stretch at the end of the 2014 campaign. He had an unheard of 1.09 ERA in 2013, and a mcuh more "normal" 2.52 ERA in 2014. Advanced metrics back these numbers up when you consider his Fielding Independent Metrics (3.09 FIP in 2014 vs a 1.61 FIP mark in 2013). But he's still an elite closer who's always been this good. 2013 was just a magical year and 2014 was another fantastic year with a few terrible hiccups at the end.
Koji is a great, positive clubhouse presence who is also a pitcher with incredible command of both his fastball and split-fingered changeup. Barring injury, he should easily continue to be a solid presence in the bullpen for the Red Sox for the next two seasons.
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons