On the 22nd, Nippon-Ham informed four players at their second-division facility in Kamagaya, Chiba pitcher pitcher Naoya Ishikawa, Suguru Fukuda, development pitcher Kodai Yamamoto, and outfielder Daiju Hirata that they would not be signing contracts for next season.
Ishikawa, who joined the team as the fourth pick in the 2014 draft from Yamagata Chuo, broke out in 2018 with 18 hold, 19 saves, and a 2.59 ERA in 52 appearances. He made 60 appearances in 2019. With a maximum speed of 156 km/h and fork that he throws from his 192 cm height, he supported the bullpen under Kuriyama.
Since undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in August 2020, his signature fastball has been muted, and he has not pitched in the first team for two consecutive years since 2024. "I was prepared for this year's results, too. I think it can't be helped. I'm just grateful that I was able to wear the uniform for 11 years," he said, expressing his gratitude to the team. Looking ahead, he said, "I don't think I've done my best. I want to continue playing as long as I can," and hopes to continue training for tryouts to be held on November 12th.
Fukuda, who joined the team as the seventh pick in the 2018 draft from Seisa Dohto University, had gone 33 consecutive games without runs since his final appearance in 2022, but has not pitched in the first team this season. "I was somewhat prepared for this, so I accepted it." He suffered from nerve pain of unknown cause from the start of training camp until around June. "I received various treatments, but it didn't get better all at once. I couldn't throw the ball for about two months. My sense of it and my power didn't come back," he recalled. He pitched in the second team towards the end of the season, but said, "I'm fine now," and is preparing to take part in tryouts with the aim of continuing his career.
Yamamoto Akira said, "I joined the team as a development player and have been playing in Kamagaya for three years. It hasn't been the glamorous baseball life that one might imagine as a professional, but I was very happy when fans, friends and family came out to greet me even in the heat. I am truly grateful. Thank you very much."
Hirata commented, "Although it was only a short two years, I was able to gain some great experiences. I would like to be able to use this experience in my future life. I would like to thank all my fans for their support."
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