It was revealed on the 28th that the Softbank Hawks will invite Masafumi Hirai (51), who served as a pitcher coach for the Orix Buffaloes until this season. Hirai appeared in a total of 569 games for the Orix Buffaloes and Chunichi, winning the Pacific League Rookie of the Year, Most Saves, and Highest Winning Percentage titles in 1995. After retiring from active play at the end of 2014, he served as a pitcher coach for the Orix Buffaloes.

He has a reputation for coaching that stays close to the players and possesses extensive experience with both the first and second teams. He was a figure trusted by Yamashita, the 161 km/h right-hander who won the Rookie of the Year award in 2023. Developing young pitchers to follow in the footsteps of Otsu, who led the team with 12 wins, as well as Yu Maeda and Haru Matsumoto, is also a key theme. There are high expectations for Mr. Hirai's skills.

Additionally, the club has prepared a staff position for infielder Akira Nakamura (36), who retired from active play at the end of this season. They will also continue to establish a system to support Manager Kokubo, who will be entering his fourth year next season.