It was revealed on the 12th that Orix outfielder Shuhei Fukuda (33) is no longer part of the team's plans for next season. In his eighth year as a pro, he had a batting average of .167 with only three RBI in 23 games this season, and was removed from the active roster on August 15th. He continued training in the farm team and also participated in the Phoenix League in Miyazaki.

Fukuda joined the team as the third pick in the 2017 draft from NTT East Japan, and became captain in 2019, his second year as a professional. In 2021 and 2022, he mainly played as leadoff hitter, helping the team win consecutive league championships. However, his playing opportunities decreased from 2023, and last offseason he gave up number, saying, "It doesn't suit me at this point in my life." He changed it to 65, and was determined to make a comeback.

After being removed from the roster in August, he recorded a batting average of .355 in 30 games with the Western League. He seems to have a strong desire to continue playing. A native of Osaka, he was a popular star player among fans. But with the wave of a new generation coming, he finds himself at a crossroads in his career.

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