Orix Buffaloes pitcher Yoshihisa Hirano attended contract negotiations at the team's facilities in Maishima, Osaka on the 11th, and signed a contract for 55 million yen plus performance bonuses, a decrease of 110 million yen from his current salary of 165 million yen, which exceeds the maximum reduction limit (amount is estimated). He revealed details of the negotiations, saying, "They asked me to lead the younger players as an active player, as I am still playing as an active player, as well as taking on coaching duties. I would like to do both well as a player and as a coach."

Returning to Japan from Major League Baseball in 2021, the 41-year-old is the oldest pitcher in Pacific League. This season, he achieved his 250th career save in NPB on April 3rd against Lotte (at ZOZO Marine Stadium), becoming only the fourth player in history to do so, but he only made three appearances in the first team. "I wasn't able to contribute anything to the team, so I don't think it was a good season," he said, giving himself a harsh self-assessment. "Not being called up to the first team is due to my own lack of ability, so I will reflect on that properly and make sure I can contribute to the first team next year," he said with conviction.

Next season, his 21st as a professional, he will also serve as a coach, and he began coaching during the autumn training after the end of this season. During the Kochi training camp in November, he was seen energetically moving around, giving advice to Teranishi on how to throw a fork. "The team hasn't won a championship in two years. I want us all to win again. I want to support and contribute as both a player and a coach." He will support manager Kishida, his fellow 2005 draft pick, with a "two-way" role that only a legend can play.