On the 10th, Orix Buffaloes Buffaloes announced that they had signed development contracts with Reiji Higashiyama and Kosei Osato. Higashiyama will wear number '129', and Osato will wear number '122'.
Higashiyama joined Orix Buffaloes in 2024 as the 5th pick in the draft. He pitched in two exhibition games, but due to surgery on his right elbow in May, he did not pitch in any games for either the first or second team. He was released from the team after the season ended.
Osato joined Orix Buffaloes in 2021 as the fourth pick in the developmental draft. He became a regular player in 2023 and played in 51 games in 2024 and 46 games this season. He underwent surgery on his right shoulder in late October and was subsequently released from the team.
![[Orix Buffaloes] Toughness-oriented Alen Kuri vows to "give it his all" and "just pitch," with a double achievement in sight, a first in history.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/03/25/20260325-OHT1I51377-L.jpg)
![[Orix Buffaloes] Raoh Yutaro Sugimoto to start the season in the minor leagues for the first time in 6 years... Considering the condition of both his knees, he said, "I want to fully recover before I try my best."](https://hochi.news/images/2026/03/25/20260325-OHT1I51472-L.jpg)
![[Orix Buffaloes] 213cm right-handed pitcher Jerry to skip his start in the game Rakuten Eagles on the 29th. Conditioning is likely his top priority, aiming for a full recovery.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/03/25/20260325-OHT1I51492-L.jpg)
