SMBC Japan Series 2026 Game 4: Softbank Hawks 4-2 DeNA (28th, Mizuho PayPay)

It was revealed on the 28th that the Softbank Hawks are considering free agent acquisitions for the first time in three years. Aiming to strengthen their starting rotation, they are closely monitoring the movements of players such as Hiroshima pitcher Masato Morishita (29), who acquired domestic free agent rights in September.

This season, which saw a third consecutive league title with a dominant 42 games over .500, the trio of Otsu, Yu Maeda, and Haru Matsumoto led the team with 12 wins each. Uwasawa followed with 10 wins. Just as the ace Moinelo was delayed at the start of the season due to poor physical condition, the club is always preparing for unforeseen circumstances. A starter with both a proven track record and extensive experience aligns with their reinforcement needs.

Morishita, who won the Rookie of the Year award in 2020, has recorded a total of 60 wins over his seven-year professional career. He has also achieved double-digit wins three times, and his lack of major injuries is another appealing factor. As a native of Oita, Kyushu is Morishita's home region. The plan is to proceed with an investigation in preparation for the possibility of him exercising his rights.

In addition to Morishita, the team has also listed Seibu Lions pitcher Kona Takahashi (29), who has acquired international free agency rights. He has recorded a total of 82 wins over his 12-year professional career, and this season he performed well against the Softbank Hawks with 4 wins and 2 losses in 7 games, maintaining a 1.69 ERA. Recently, the team acquired Yamakawa from the Seibu Lions via free agency in the 2023 off-season. Although both Morishita and Takahashi have long expressed their desire to play in the Major Leagues, the team aims to bolster its roster to achieve a fourth consecutive league title and a third consecutive Japan Series championship.