Rakuten Eagles announced on the 29th that Hirotoshi Masui will be appointed as the pitcher coach for the next season.

Masui joined Nippon-Ham as the 5th draft pick in 2009 after playing for Shizuoka High School, Komazawa University, and the corporate team Toshiba. Armed with a fastball exceeding 150 km/h and a fork with a large drop, he excelled primarily as a relief pitcher. He also represented the Japanese national team in the 2015 Premier 12 and the 2017 WBC. He continued to perform well at the Orix Buffaloes, where he moved as a free agent after the 2017 season. Over a total of 551 games, he achieved a record of 41 wins, 47 losses, 163 saves, 158 holds, and an ERA of 3.08. He retired at the end of 2022 and has since worked as a commentator. He is now set to make his debut as a coach in a new environment.

A right-handed pitcher who has played for prestigious amateur teams and has also worn the Samurai Japan uniform. It is also encouraging that he has experienced four league championships and two Japan Series titles with Nippon-Ham and the Orix Buffaloes. During his time with Nippon-Ham, he studied under Rakuten Eagles manager Masato Yoshii, who was the pitcher coach at the time. He will team up with his mentor once again to take on the responsibility of strengthening the team.

Hirotoshi Masui. Born June 26, 1984, in Shizuoka Prefecture. 42 years old. After attending Shizuoka High School, Komazawa University, and Toshiba, he joined Nippon-Ham as the 5th draft pick in 2009. He was named the best reliever in 2012. He represented Japan in the 2015 Premier 12 and the 2017 WBC. After the 2017 season, he exercised his domestic free agent rights and moved to the Orix Buffaloes. His career stats are 41 wins, 47 losses, 163 saves, and 158 holds in 551 games, with an ERA of 3.08. He is 181 cm tall and weighs 77 kg. Right-handed pitcher and batter.