On the 13th (14th Japan time), Ari Alexander, a reporter for the American television network "7News Boston WHDH," revealed on his "X" (formerly Twitter) account that Rodolfo Castro (26), infielder with 22 Home Run Nippon-Ham runs in Major League Baseball, is close to signing a contract with the Nippon Ham Fighters.

The reporter wrote: "The Blue Jays have released Rofolfo Castro. He is close to signing a contract with NPB's Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters," he posted. He had signed a minor league contract with the Blue Jays last November, but was released in preparation for Nippon-Ham transfer.

Castro, a native of the Dominican Republic, made his major league debut with the Pirates in 2021. He played in the majors until 2023 as a right-handed hitter infielder playing second base, third base, and shortstop. In 2023, he played in a career-high 92 games for the Pirates and Phillies. In his 194 major league games, he hit 22 Home Run, had 59 RBI, and a batting average of .219.

Last season, he played in the Phillies' minor league system, appearing in 134 games in Triple-A and recording 19 Home Run, 82 RBI, a batting average of .235, and 18 stolen base bases. In his minor league career, he has played in 656 games, recording 90 Home Run RBI 380 RBIs, a batting average of .243, and 50 stolen base.