On the 1st, Softbank informed pitcher Shota Takeda that he would not be signing a contract for next season. Takeda visited the farm facility in Chikugo, Fukuoka, to greet team members. "I'm just sad. I've been taken care of for 14 years, and I've had so many encounters," he said, expressing his gratitude. "If there's a team that will pick me up, I'll do my best," he said, expressing his intention to continue playing for another team.
He joined the team as the first pick in the 2011 draft from Miyazaki Nihon University. In 2012, his first year after graduating from high school, he posted an outstanding record of 8 wins and 1 loss with ERA of 1.07. He had 13 wins in 2015 and a career-high 14 wins in 2016, climbing the ladder to become an ace, but injuries have since caused his progress to stagnate. In April of last year, he underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. Although he returned to action with the farm team this season, he has not pitched in the first team for two consecutive years.
"At the start of this year, I was prepared (for it to be my last), and I have been trying to make it a year that I can be satisfied with and have no regrets about. I returned earlier than expected. I had hoped to return as soon as possible, but to be honest, it was difficult," he said, revealing his true feelings. The surgery is said to take two years for a full recovery, but he left the team before that time. However, his condition has been improving recently. "I have had the surgery and have strengthened myself, so I hope to be able to show it off," he said.
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・ [Softbank] Shota Takeda is released from the team, but he said on social media, "I still have a lot of challenges to face."
・ [Hanshin Tigers] Sato Ren: "I was prepared for being cut from the team" - hopes to continue playing "I'm healthy and I want to continue for a while longer"
・ [Softbank] GM Mikasa cuts Katsuki Matayoshi from the team: "He wants to continue playing, so we need to do it quickly."
・ [Hanshin Tigers] 2021 draft second-round pick Suzuki Yuto cut from the team: "The world was tougher than I thought." He is pondering his future.
・ [Hiroshima] Takashi Uemoto cut from the team, "a weight has been lifted from my shoulders" and he will retire from active play. A total of eight players have not signed contracts for next season.
