Softbank Nao Higashihama pitcher (35) will exercise his domestic free agent (FA) rights. The last two years have seen a decrease in pitching opportunities due to a wave of reinforcements and generational changes, but he is looking for more opportunities and is expected to announce his decision soon.
This season, he has made seven appearances, with a record of 4 wins and 2 losses and ERA of 2.51. While he was unable to establish himself in the starting rotation, he was always on standby during the off-season. He also had a strong record of 7 wins and 3 losses with an ERA of 1.85 in the Western Western League. He was on the bench as reliever in the postseason. The right-handed pitcher went from Okinawa Shogaku High School to Asia University, and joined the team as the first pick in the 2012 draft after competing with three teams. He will enter his 14th season next year with a record of 76 wins and 46 losses, including the most wins in 2017 with 16 wins and 5 losses, and ERA of 3.30, but his skills are still strong. His estimated annual salary this season is 150 million yen. He is considered a B-rank player, requiring financial or personal compensation to acquire.
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・ Nippon-Ham Fighters' Kazunari Ishii will exercise his free agent rights on the 7th. He is a large infielder who has batted in all batting order from 1st to 9th this season, and has ample experience playing second base, shortstop, and third base.
・ [Nippon-Ham] Kazunari Ishii declares that he will exercise his free agent rights, saying, "It's my right. I want to hear what other teams think."
・ [Chunichi] Takahiro Matsuba declares that he will exercise his overseas free agency rights, saying "this is the last chance" and the team will allow him to stay.
・ [Yakult] Takanashi Hirotoshi is considering exercising his domestic free agent rights. The team is negotiating to keep him. He is ranked C and does not require compensation.
・ [Chunichi] Yuya Yanagi acquires domestic free agent rights, "I will focus on the game in front of me" - signed a one-year contract last offseason
