Softbank On the 27th, the Japan National Athletic Association notified Haruhiro Hamaguchi pitcher, Yugo Bando pitcher, Satoru Miyazaki pitcher, Toya Kawaguchi pitcher, Kenichi Murata pitcher, Kota Makihara catcher that they will not sign contracts for the next season. All six players wish to continue their active careers. Miyazaki, Kawaguchi, Murata, and Takumi Makihara were approached about re-signing as developmental players. Also notified of the removal from the force were fostered players Sora Kato catcher and Marco Simon outfielder. Kato has decided to retire from active duty, and Simon will return to the Dominican Republic to look for a contract.
This is unusual during the Japan Series. Until last year, players could be released from the roster after the series ended, but this year the notice period is extended to the 30th. Under the Freelance Law that came into effect last November, if a contract with an independent contractor expires, notice must be given at least 30 days in advance. Professional baseball players' contracts generally expire at the end of November, so this timing was chosen.
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・ [List] Players cut from the team this offseason and retired
・ Yugo Bando released from the team, said, "I can't let it end like this," and will continue playing and take part in tryouts.
・ Harudai Hamaguchi, in his first year after the transfer, was cut from the team's roster: "I was prepared for it"
・ First-round draft pick Rintaro Sasaki reiterates that he will focus on playing at university until June next year as planned
・ [Seibu] Right-handed pitcher Ichiro Tamura, in his ninth year as a professional, and Hiyu Motoyama and Daiju Nomura, who were both traded, have been released from the team.
