It was revealed on the 3rd that Orix Buffaloes infielder Keita Nakagawa (30) has decided to exercise his domestic free agent (FA) rights. He has informed the club of his intention as of today and plans to submit the application documents by the 9th, which is the final deadline. Among other teams, the Hanshin Tigers are moving forward with a full-scale investigation into acquiring him.

Nakagawa, in his eighth year as a professional, acquired domestic free agent rights this July. He candidly shared his feelings, saying, 'I am very happy to have been able to obtain these FA rights after being a seventh-round draft pick, as it makes me feel like I have truly made it as a professional.' After graduating from PL Gakuen and Toyo University, he entered the professional league in 2019. He has since made his mark as a skilled hitter.

In his first professional year, he recorded a batting average of .386 and became the first rookie in history to win the Interleague leading hitter title. Although registered as an infielder, he secured a regular spot in the outfield starting in 2022. Former manager Nakajima (currently Senior Director), who led the team to three consecutive Pacific League championships starting in 2021, described him as "Invincible Nakagawa." This nickname stuck among fans as he continued to refine his skills with the bat.

Last year, he played in every batting order from 1st to 9th, recording strong results with a .284 batting average, 12 Home Runs, and 53 RBI. He received his first Best Nine award, establishing an unshakable status in terms of both ability and popularity. His 100 million yen salary is considered B-rank, which involves human or financial compensation, and the Hanshin Tigers, who are based in the same Kansai region, have been conducting an investigation behind the scenes in case Nakagawa declares free agency. The fact that he has great speed and can play in the outfield or at first base also makes him a good fit for Central League baseball.

Mune, who was born in the same year of 1996, exercised his domestic free agency rights on the 2nd. The team also evaluates Nakagawa as an indispensable asset and is continuing negotiations based on a salary increase and a multi-year contract. They have also indicated a policy of allowing him to remain with the team even after declaring free agency.

Keita Nakagawa was born on April 12, 1996, in Hannan City, Osaka. He is 30 years old. At PL Gakuen, he served as captain and led the team to a runner-up finish in the Osaka tournament in the summer of 2014 during his third year. At Toyo University, he was selected for the university national team for the Japan-USA University Baseball Championship and the Universiade in 2017 during his third year. He joined the Orix Buffaloes as the 7th draft pick in 2018. In 2019, his first year, he hit .386 and became the first rookie in professional baseball history to win the Interleague leading hitter title. In 2025, he received his first Best Nine award in the outfielder category. His career stats over 754 games are a .261 batting average, 46 Home Run, 260 RBI, and 45 stolen base. He is 180 cm tall and weighs 76 kg. He throws right-handed and bats right-handed. His annual salary is 100 million yen.