pitcher Katsuki Matayoshi, who was informed by Softbank that he will not be included in next season's roster, visited the farm facility in Chikugo, Fukuoka on the 1st to greet team members. It has been four years since he transferred from Chunichi. He expressed his gratitude, saying, "It was a really good experience," and also spoke of his strong desire to continue playing, saying, "I feel I can still go. As long as there is a possibility, I want to pursue it."

The right-handed pitcher, who holds 173 hold, the sixth-highest record in history, said, "I want to achieve 200 hold. If I'm given the chance to make a comeback, I want to contribute to the team even if it means breaking my body. I want to think that one day this (being cut from the roster) was just a stepping stone." A return to NPB would be ideal, but he said, "If I limit myself to one, I won't have any chances. NPB would be best, but I'd like to improve my skills in various places," leaving all possibilities open.

Furthermore, it is unusual for Softbank to notify and announce a player's release before the first-team schedule is complete. This gives him more time to search for a new team, so he bowed his head and said, "I'm truly grateful." He was also touched by the warm support from the Fukuoka fans, where he spent four years. "I was eating at an izakaya, and several fans came up to me and said, 'Good luck,'" he said, recalling an incident that occurred a few days ago. "I was eating at an izakaya, and several fans came up to me and said, 'Good luck,'" he said, expressing his realization that "I'm really glad I was able to play in such an environment."

Related News

・ Softbank: GM Mikasa cuts Katsuki Matayoshi from the team: "He wants to continue playing, so we'll do it quickly."
・ [Softbank] Shota Takeda, who was cut from the roster, announces he will continue playing. "I went through the effort of undergoing surgery to strengthen my skills. I want to be able to show them off."
​[Hanshin Tigers] Retired player Fumihito Haraguchi is eager to play in the postseason: "It's too early to wear a suit. I want to contribute in the CS and Japan Series."
・ [Hanshin Tigers] Ryo Watanabe, who was notified that he was no longer needed as a player, said, "I was able to play for a really good team," and "I want to continue playing."
・ [Softbank] Announcement of Shota Takeda 's release from the team. He said on social media, "I still have a lot of challenges to face."