It was revealed on the 24th that pitcher Kohei Arihara (33), who became a free agent from Softbank Hawks, has decided to join Nippon-Ham. His three-year contract expires this season. He had been considering a second chance at the American baseball league, but gave up on that idea and decided to return to his former team, where he played for six years until 2020.
The right-handed pitcher crossed the ocean during the 2020 offseason using the posting system. He only managed three wins in two years with the Rangers due to right shoulder surgery, but after returning to Japan, he showed his strength by posting double-digit win for three consecutive years. This season, he recorded 14 wins and 9 losses, the most wins for the second consecutive year. While a move to the majors was considered his top priority, his movements were also the focus of attention in Japan. Softbank Hawks tried to persuade him to stay with a large contract. The Giants were also keeping a close eye on him, but Nippon-Ham also made moves to acquire him on a multi-year contract, making his return after six years a reality.
Arihara is based in Sapporo, and has a strong attachment to Hokkaido and a deep sense of gratitude to the team that raised him. Although he once chose to play against them, his relationship with his former team remains good. They supported his dream of challenging the majors, and it seems the time has come to "repay their kindness." He is close friends with many players, and he and Ito, with whom he shared the most wins, are expected to be two of the team's leading pitchers. His experience of 101 wins in Japan and the US is likely to have a positive impact on the young pitcher such as Kitayama and Tatsuya, who are shining with great talent.
A wonderful Christmas present for the Shinjo Ham Fighters, who finished second for the second year in a row. This season, they were in a fierce battle for the championship until the very end, but the man who became a major obstacle for them will be a strong ally next season.
◆Arihara Kohei (Arihara Kohei) Born August 11, 1992 in Hiroshima City. 33 years old. Played at Koshien twice with Koryo High School, reaching the semi-finals in the spring of his third year. Joined Nippon-Ham Fighters as the first pick in the 2014 draft from Waseda University, and was named Rookie of the Year in 2015. He won 60 games in six years, and in 2021 and 2022 pitched in 15 games for the Rangers, with a record of 3 wins and 7 losses ERA 7.57. Since 2023, he has played for Softbank Hawks. In 198 NPB games, he has a record of 98 wins and 71 losses ERA of 3.32. He was the team's leader in wins in 2019, 2024, and 2025. He is 190 cm tall and weighs 100 kg. He bats and throws right-handed.
Related News
・【写真】新庄監督の「１」継承を直談判したドラ２のエドポロケイン
・【プロフィル】有原航平の昨季年俸、経歴、成績など完全網羅
・杉谷、離婚していた…「裸一貫」
・【写真】スゲー！MLB→他球団経由→元の球団に戻った５選手
・【写真】引退した中田翔さん 日本ハムのメンバーが開いた「お疲れ様会」に感激【参加者一覧あり】
