On the 1st, Nippon-Ham announced that they have approved pitcher Hiromi Ito's (29) MLB transfer using the posting system and have begun the application process.

In his sixth season this year, he started 26 games, recording 10 wins and 10 losses with an ERA of 3.18. He has reached the regulation innings pitched for six consecutive years since joining the team and has also marked double-digit wins for three consecutive years. When he visited Es Con on the 23rd, he was deep in thought, saying, 'I am worrying more than I ever have in my life. I want to think it through until the very last minute, brush up on what my true intentions are, and ultimately choose the path I won't regret.' He did not participate in the autumn camp at Es Con.

Regarding the right-hander who won the Sawamura Award last season, MLB clubs have been closely monitoring his movements since the middle of the season. American transfer information sites have reported that teams such as the Giants, who are in need of starting rotation reinforcements along with Kaima Taira of the Seibu Lions, have a strong interest in acquiring him, drawing attention even within American baseball circles. The negotiation period will last for 45 days starting from the day after the MLB office's official announcement.

Ito commented as follows through the team.

Playing in Major League Baseball has been a dream of mine since I was a child and one of the goals I have always aimed for. On the other hand, since becoming a professional baseball player, my primary mission has been to win a championship with The Fighters, and I have worked hard every day to contribute to the team's win. First of all, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my family, especially my parents and my wife, who have supported me up to this point. I am also deeply grateful to the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters for selecting me as their first-round draft pick, even though I was born and raised in Hokkaido, and for giving me the opportunity to grow as a professional baseball player. I feel truly happy to be able to play baseball in this wonderful environment, surrounded by great managers, coaches, team staff, club officials, and the fans who always give us their passionate support. Furthermore, I am deeply grateful to the club for understanding my feelings and giving me the opportunity to negotiate with Major League clubs using the posting system. I also sincerely thank the Japan Professional Baseball Players Association and the MLB Players Association for their efforts over many years to improve the posting system, which has led to opportunities like this one. I have a strong desire to play in the Major Leagues starting next season. With that in mind, I intend to listen carefully to what the MLB clubs that value me have to say within the limited timeframe, and make the best decision while considering my growth as a pitcher and my family. While there are uncertainties regarding the future situation surrounding the Major Leagues, at this point, I hope to decide my path as soon as possible and report my decision to The Fighters and the fans by December. Like the great seniors who have challenged the Major Leagues from The Fighters before me, I want to compete on the world's highest stage with gratitude and pride for The Fighters in my heart.