Softbank Hawks On March 16, director Hiroki Kokubo visited Tama Home Stadium Chikugo in Chikugo, Fukuoka, where he revealed a conversation with Nao Higashihama pitcher, who is determined to remain in the team.

Higashihama joined the team as the first draft pick in 2013. He won the most wins title in 2017 and threw no hitter in 2022. However, in recent years, with the rise of young players, in his 13th year with the team in 2013 he had a record of 4 wins and 2 losses in 7 games ERA 2.51. Seeking more opportunities to pitch, he exercised his domestic free agent rights.

Several teams had expressed interest in acquiring him, but it was decided that he would stay. Manager Kokubo explained inning, saying, "I got a call from Higashihama the day before yesterday, and he said, 'I've decided to stay.' He has a good chance, but he needs to fill in the 180 innings he's missing, and I told him, 'I want you to win one more time.'" The team will look to fill the 14 wins and 175 inning left by Arihara, who transferred to Nippon-Ham, last season, in the midst of a competitive battle.