◇2025 FA declaration player announcement

With the deadline for free agency applications approaching on November 11th, the list of players who have declared free agency in Japan and overseas for 2025 has been announced.

▼Domestic free agent declaration players▼
Fukuoka Softbank Nao Higashihama pitcher
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Kazunari Ishii player
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Go Matsumoto player
Tohoku Rakuten Ryosuke Tatsumi player

▼Overseas free agent declaration players▼
Tohoku Rakuten Takahiro Norimoto pitcher
Yokohama DeNA's Hikaru Ito
Yokohama DeNA player Masashi Kuwahara
Chunichi Dragons pitcher Takahiro Matsuba

◇ Tohoku Rakuten Ryuya Taira and Kosei Koga signed contracts with controlled players

The team has agreed to contracts with development players Ryuya Taira and pitcher Kosei Koga. Taira played in 61 farm team games this season, posting impressive results with a .354 batting average, Home Run, 16 RBI, and 15 stolen base. pitcher pitched 100.1 innings in 19 games, finishing with a record of 5 wins, 5 losses, 1 save, 60 strike out, and ERA of 4.31.

▼ Comments from Ryuya Taira ▼
"Although we were unable to return to the controlled team this season, we fought until the end with the motivation that if we didn't give up and produced good results, we might be able to return to the controlled team next season.
I feel really glad that I have worked so hard. Next season, I will first aim to be on the opening day first team, and then I will do my best to make a strong showing and win a regular spot."

▼Comment pitcher Kosei Koga ▼
"First of all, I feel like I've finally reached the starting line. I played with a strong determination, believing that if I could clear my challenges one by one, I would be closer to being a regular player. Next season, I will do my best to get my first win and pitch in as many games as possible on the first team stage."

◇ Saitama Seibu 's first draft development player, Yuto Arai, held a press conference after negotiations to join the team

Saitama Seibu' first draft pick, Yuto Arai (Hachioji Gakuen Hachioji High School), held a press conference after negotiations to join the team. Arai is from Tokorozawa and is highly regarded by scouts as a "large infielder with a good balance of running, hitting, and defense, and has room to grow."

▼Comment from Yuto Arai▼
"When I received the nomination greeting, it hadn't really hit me yet, but after I just accepted, I'm more determined than ever. I want to make full use of my strengths, my legs and shoulders. First, I'll aim to be registered as a regular player, and in the future I'll do my best to become a pillar of The Lions. In my first year, I want to focus on getting into shape and getting used to the new environment, and I want to make progress day by day."

◇ Rikima Ichijo and Raito Ikeda participate in Chiba Lotte Marines "Hokushin Fish Food Education Project"

Chiba Lotte Marines will be holding a ball game event for the "Hokushin Fish Food Education Project" at Field Force Ballpark Kashiwanoha (Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture) on Sunday, December 7th, in collaboration with official sponsor Hokushin Suisan Co., Ltd. Rikima Ichijo pitcher and Raito Ikeda The players announced their participation.

This event was planned as a unique initiative that combines sports and food education, with the aim of teaching children the joy of "eating fish" and "moving their bodies." On the day, pitcher Ichijo and player Ikeda will hold a baseball practice session with the children who come to the event, and the children will be able to experience the charm of fish while interacting with the players and eating fish rice balls made by Hokushin Suisan.

▼"Hokushin Fish Food Education Project" Veil Ball Overview▼
・Date: Sunday, December 7th, 11:00-13:00
・Venue: Field Force Kashiwanoha
・Target: 1st to 6th grade elementary school students
・Capacity: 30 people *If there are many applicants, a lottery will be held
・Participation fee: Free
・How to apply: via the dedicated application form
・Application period: November 12th (Wed) - November 26th (Wed)

◇ Orix 6th draft pick, Kenny Ishikawa, congratulations on his nomination

Orix was held on November 10 (local time), and GM Junichi Fukura gave his nomination speech to Kenny Ishikawa, the 6th overall pick in the draft.

▼ Kenny Ishikawa, commenting on the draft
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the front office members of Orix and The Buffaloes for coming all the way from Japan to greet me in person. As a Japanese American who grew up in Japan, it is one of the greatest honors in my life to have been selected by a Japanese professional baseball team like Orix.

I am working hard every day ground inside and outside of the office to prepare for my season at the University of Georgia, which starts in a few months. Orix I will do my best to make everyone at the University of Georgia and my fans in Japan proud of me.

... updated almost daily!　Today Pacific League

Related Links
​Public Announcement of Declared Free Agents for 2025
​Tohoku Rakuten】Ryuya Taira Player Registration of Controlling Players
​Tohoku Rakuten】Kosei Koga pitcher Players Registration for Controlling Players