On the 23rd, Rakuten Eagles announced that they had acquired pitcher Chiharu Tanaka (25) as compensation for pitcher Takahiro Norimoto (35), who transferred to The Giants as a free agent. Tanaka joined The Giants as the third pick in the 2022 draft from Kokugakuin University. He had a record of 2 wins, 3 losses, 3 hold, and an ERA of 4.91 in 33 appearances.

　＊　＊　＊

Tanaka Sen has great potential and is expected to add depth to the relief corps as a valuable, authentic right-handed pitcher.

This offseason, Rakuten Eagles acquired pitcher Kenta Maeda, Roansy pitcher, and Jose pitcher. They have focused on strengthening starter, which was a major issue last season. The number of starting pitchers has increased significantly.

Last season, reliever pitcher Shoma Fujihira, Masaya Nishigaki pitcher Naoto Nishiguchi, pitcher pitcher Sora Suzuki outstanding pitch stability, making the relief corps one of the team's greatest strengths.

However, there are concerns about the depth of the relief pitching staff this season. Suzuki Sho underwent surgery in October of last year for ossification of the thoracic yellow ligament, a nationally designated incurable disease, and his availability for the opening game is uncertain. Nishiguchi may be promoted to the starting rotation. The team was waiting for other pitcher to emerge.

Tanaka Sen, who has a fastball that exceeds 150 km/h and a sharply dropping fork, has the potential to become a major asset in his new home.