On the 30th, Orix Buffaloes officially announced that Yoshihisa Hirano (42), who served as a pitcher and pitching coach and retired from active duty this season, will be appointed as the farm team manager. His number has been set to '81'. He is a legendary closer who achieved the first-ever milestone of 250 saves and 200 holds (258 saves, 205 holds) in a 21-year career across Japan and the United States, becoming the first Orix Buffaloes player to enter the Meikyukai (Golden Players Club). He will make a fresh start by teaming up with Manager Kishida, his close friend and fellow 2005 draft class member.

This season, he served concurrently as a pitcher coach, primarily providing guidance at the farm level. He was often in the dugout during games, learning about offense and strategy alongside second-team manager Kazaoka. The right-hander also contributed to the team's three consecutive league titles starting in 2021. During his retirement press conference held before the Softbank Hawks game at Kyocera Dome Osaka on September 25, he expressed his enthusiasm for a future as a coach, stating, 'If I am to take on such a position next, it will be my turn to give back to the young players what has been done for me. If we can work together, I want to work under Manager Kishida and do my best so that we can toss him in the air in celebration.'

This season, a succession of key players suffered long-term absences, including ace pitchers Miyagi and Yamashita, as well as fielders such as Tomoya Mori and Yuma Tongu. The team finished in fourth place, falling into the B-class for the first time in two years with 11 games under .500. With the appointment of former Rakuten Eagles manager Hajime Miki as head coach, the team is expected to aim for a comeback under a new system in what will be Manager Kishida's third year in charge. They will fight as one to achieve their first league championship in four years.

Yoshihisa Hirano. Born March 8, 1984, in Uji City, Kyoto. 42 years old. After attending Toba High School in Kyoto and Kyoto Sangyo University, he joined the Orix Buffaloes via the 2005 university/adult draft hope category. In 2011, he won the title for best reliever with 49 hold points, and in 2014, he earned the title for most saves with 40. He exercised his international free agency rights after the 2017 season. After playing for the Diamondbacks and Mariners, he returned to the Orix Buffaloes in 2021. In 2023, he achieved a combined total of 250 saves in Japan and the US, becoming the first player from the club to join the Meikyukai (Golden Players Club). He retired from active play at the end of 2026. His combined Japan-US career stats over 853 games are 65 wins, 87 losses, 258 saves, 205 holds, and a 3.05 ERA. 186 cm, 90 kg. Right-handed pitcher and batter.