Orix Buffaloes has acquired outfielder Shota Hiranuma from Seibu Lions in the active player draft. Hiranuma joined Nippon-Ham in 2015 as the fourth pick in the draft from Tsuruga Kehi High School, and was traded to Seibu Lions midway through the 2021 season. In his 10th professional season this year, he played in 60 games with a batting average of .218 and 11 RBI. Although registered outfield, he is a versatile player who can also play infield defense other than shortstop. He recorded his best batting average against Orix Buffaloes this season at .344. General Manager Junichi Fukura commented, "I think we were able to acquire the player we were looking for. He can play multiple positions. In terms of hitting, we have been beaten quite a bit this year." Manager Mamoru Kishida also expressed his expectations for Hiranuma's success, saying, "He is still young (at 28 years old). I think he is a player with a lot of potential, and I hope he will be able to play to his full potential with us."