[Softbank Hawks] Nao Higashihama, who exercised his domestic free agent rights, has no official offer at this time. "It's really not about the money." He's prepared to wait until the new year to find a pitching opportunity. | Pacific League

[Softbank Hawks] Nao Higashihama, who has exercised his domestic free agent rights, has not received any official offers at this time. "It's really not about the money," he says, preparing to wait until the new year to find an opportunity to pitch.

Sports Hochi

December 13, 2025 17:11

Softbank Hawks 's Nao Higashihama gives advice to children (on the right is Hanshin Tigers 's Haruto Takahashi, cameraman Toru Nagata)

Softbank Hawks Nao Higashihama pitcher After submitting his application on November 9, he has not received any official offers from other teams at this point. I'm wondering if it might happen. It may be a long time, but I want to wait while preparing myself.

On this day, he participated in baseball clinic in Hyogo Prefecture, mainly consisting of alumni from the Asia University baseball team. He reported the current situation to Softbank Hawks, which has allowed him to remain in the league, including the possibility of him staying until the new year, and added, "I am truly grateful and have nothing but gratitude."

His estimated annual salary this season is 150 million yen, making him a B-rank player who requires monetary or personnel compensation. He only had four wins (two losses) in the first team, but in the Western League he showed his class with a 7-3 ERA and an ERA of 1.85 in 13 games. "It's really not about the money. My true desire is to pitch (in the first team), so I hope I can get a good offer." He'll be 36 in June next year. The right-handed pitcher with a total of 76 wins is facing a difficult reality.