Nippon-Ham On the 25th, it was learned that Kohei Arihara pitcher (33) is expected to make an official announcement of his joining the team at the beginning of the new year. The team succeeded in acquiring Softbank Hawks the right-hander, who had been a free agent for two consecutive years, by offering him a favorable deal based on a four-year contract. Next season, he will return to his old team for the first time in six years.

The number "16", which was worn until 20 years of enrollment, is worn by Tatsu and is expected to be selected in the future. After Darvish (Padres) and Ohtani (Dodgers) put on, it is expected that they will present a suitable number other than "11", which is treated as a semi-permanent retirement number.

Arihara has a strong attachment to Hokkaido, where he spent the first six years of his professional career. This offseason, he has many supportive teammates, including Nishikawa, his classmate with whom he won the league championship and the Japan Series in 2016, who is returning to his former team. The countdown has begun for the birth of "Nippon-Ham 's Arihara," who has made a big decision.