Orix Buffaloes catcher Ryo Ishikawa met the requirements to obtain domestic free agent (FA) rights on the 2nd, due to the infectious disease special case and the bereavement leave special case. He joined Nippon-Ham as the 8th draft pick in 2013 from Teikyo and moved to the Orix Buffaloes via trade in the 2022 off-season. He has appeared in 245 professional games in total, recording a batting average of .182 and 23 RBI.

In his 13th professional season this year, he appeared in 10 games. He demonstrated his presence as a catcher who can contribute in intangible ways, such as vocalizing from the bench and setting the mood.