Softbank Kohei Arihara pitcher (33) will be removed from the pending roster with a deadline of March 30. The right-hander, who returned to the NPB after 23 years in the U.S., has a three-year contract expiring this season. The contract included a provision that he would become a free agent (FA) at the expiration of his contract. Arihara himself has the intention of trying out for the big leagues again, and will be announced as a free agent on December 2.
Arihara used the posting system during the offseason of 2020 to transfer from Nippon-Ham to the Rangers. He underwent surgery on his right shoulder in 2021, and finished with just three wins in his two years in the majors. He joined Softbank in 2023, recording double-digit win for three consecutive years. This season he recorded 14 wins, becoming the team's most-winner for the second consecutive year. This proves he is still in good health, and it seems he is once again motivated to pursue his dream, although he has not yet acquired overseas free agent rights. The team is continuing negotiations to keep him with the team based on a multi-year contract, but has decided to respect Arihara's wishes.
After being announced as a free agent, Arihara will be able to negotiate with other teams both in Japan and overseas. While he is exploring his chances of making it to the majors again, other NPB teams are sure to be interested in him. The Giants and others are keeping a close eye on his movements. He is known as "Mr. Stability" and is always a reliable starting pitcher. There is no doubt that a bidding war will develop for him.
Related News
・ [Detailed data] Kohei Arihara 's annual salary and alma mater
・ The Giants manager Abe contacts Rui Okoye, who suddenly left the team, and tells him, "I hope you do your best"
・ Taiwan's Wei Chuan's 158 km/h right-handed pitcher, Xu Ruoxi, signs three-year contract with Softbank
・ The Giants CBO Yoshimura said Okoye Rui "has said that overseas is the place where he has the most dreams and goals."
・ [Softbank] Taiwan's Wei Chuan's 158 km right-handed pitcher, Xu Ruoxi, is likely to be acquired. Xu's side turned down the offer from Nippon-Ham
