On the 29th, the Softbank Hawks notified outfielder Riku Ogata that they would not be renewing his contract for the next season. This ruthless notification came just one day after the team secured their second consecutive Japan Series title on the 28th. Ogata had even appeared in the Japan Series, participating as a pinch runner in Game 1. Although he was left off the active roster from Game 2 onwards, he had continued to travel with the team. 'I was prepared for this because I was often left out of the dugout during the Climax Series and the Japan Series. I believe I can still play. It is easy to say that in words, but it is frustrating that I could not demonstrate it through my play this season,' he said, expressing a strong desire to continue his professional career.

He joined the team from Komazawa University as the 5th pick in the 2020 developmental draft. Utilizing his speed, he earned a spot on the active roster in 2024 when Manager Kokubo took office. After appearing in 86 games that year, he played in 101 games in 2025, primarily as a pinch-running ace. This season, his appearances decreased to 14 games after suffering a right foot fracture from a Hit by Pitch in a minor league game in March, but he continued to compete through the postseason. In 201 career games, he has a .205 batting average, 0 Home Runs, 10 RBI, and 13 stolen bases.