Softbank will begin the process of acquiring Anthony Kay pitcher (30), who has been removed from DeNA's pending roster, on the 2nd. He is reportedly hoping to return to the majors, and DeNA has requested that he remain with them, but they value him as a valuable starting left fielder. Now that he is a free agent, they have decided to make an attack.

Kei, who regularly throws fastballs exceeding 150 km/h, won 15 games in his two years with DeNA. This season, he recorded nine wins (six losses) and ERA of 1.74, second in the league. His skills are impeccable. Softbank 's ace pitcher, Arihara, has become a free agent, allowing him to negotiate with any team, both domestic and international. The team is continuing negotiations based on a multi-year contract, but strengthening the starting lineup was essential in case of an emergency.

The team's goal for next season is to win the league title for the third consecutive year, a first since the team moved to Fukuoka in 1989. It's highly likely they'll acquire right-handed pitcher Hsu Ruoxi (25), who has a top speed of 158 km/h from Wei Chuan (Taiwan). In addition to Kei, they're also actively investigating pitcher John Duplantier (31), who became a free agent from Hanshin Tigers. They'll be targeting him precisely to further strengthen their team.