Softbank GM Sugihiko Mikasa (51) spoke with Mizuho PayPal on March 12, and expressed his hope that Nao Higashihama pitcher (35), who exercised his domestic FA rights, would remain with the team. Regarding the right-hander, who is seeking an opportunity to play as a starter, he said, "I want him to stay as a player who has contributed to the team for a long time. （I would like them to make a good decision after talking with various teams (including other teams)," he emphasized. He reiterated that he would accept the offer to remain with the team. He will not be participating in the FA competition this offseason.
He also mentioned Kohei Arihara pitcher (33), whose three-year contract expires this season. He said, "I hope he will stay." The right-hander, who joined the team in 2011 from the U.S. baseball world, is also considering a second shot at the U.S. baseball world, and his departure is attracting attention.
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・ [Chunichi] Yuya Yanagi will not exercise his domestic free agent rights and will remain with the team. "I love this team. It was hard to imagine pitching against The Dragons."
・ [Softbank] Nao Higashihama to exercise domestic free agency rights. Still in good health with a 1.85 ERA in the second team. Is he ranked B and needing personnel compensation?
・ [Softbank] Nao Higashihama announces his free agency, saying, "My body is fine. I just want to pitch." He has four wins this season, the final year of his three-year contract.
・ Softbank 's Kohei Arihara may be leaving, but he intends to try again in the majors. The team doesn't allow posting without overseas free agency rights, so he could become a free agent.
・ [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."
