On the 6th, both clubs officially announced the free trade of Softbank Hawks pitcher Nao Higashihama (36) to Hiroshima. Higashihama, who joined the Softbank Hawks from Asia University as the first-round draft pick in 2012, has a professional career record of 76 wins and 46 losses with an ERA of 3.30, including winning the most victories title in 2017. This season, after a late start due to poor condition in his right shoulder and the rise of young players like Yu Maeda, he had no opportunities to pitch in the first squad for the first time in his 14-year professional career.

The right-hander, who visited Mizuho PayPay for training, spoke during a media scrum. 'I have nothing but gratitude for The Hawks. My desire to pitch is my motivation for next year. I hope to turn the experiences I've had so far into solid results.' He appeared in 12 games in the farm league, recording 6 wins, 4 losses, and an ERA of 2.37, and vowed to succeed in his new environment.

General Manager Sugihiko Mikasa (52) revealed that the team respected the player's wishes, stating, 'Although he is a pitcher with such a proven track record, he had no opportunities to pitch for the first team this year, and we reached an agreement after connecting with Hiroshima.' As for the club, there were 61 players under control at the time the non-tender notices were completed. There was also the circumstance that if all nine players selected in the draft were to join, the roster would reach the upper limit of 70 players.

His new team, Hiroshima, is in urgent need of reinforcing their starters as their left and right aces, Tokoda and Morishita, have exercised their free agency rights. Owner Hajime Matsuda (75) welcomed the addition of the experienced right-hander, stating, 'He has plenty of ability, and I have heard he has a great personality. Since the team has many young pitchers, I expect him to lead them both technically and mentally as the oldest pitcher.'