On the 10th, both clubs officially announced the free trade of Softbank Hawks catcher Hiroki Minei (35) to DeNA. He had moved from DeNA after exercising his domestic FA rights at the end of 2022 and played there for four years. Visiting the club facilities in Chikugo, Fukuoka, in a suit, he expressed his gratitude, saying, 'It was an irreplaceable time. I gained many assets by coming to The Hawks.'

In three years, he appeared in 111 games, recording a .230 batting average, 7 Home Runs, and 28 RBI. However, this season, in his 13th year as a professional, he experienced his first time without a single first-team appearance. Minei himself revealed, "I thought it would end this year. I was surprised that I would still be given a chance."

DeNA, where he spent nine years, reached the Japan Series this season, but their last league championship was in 1998. 'As long as I am going there as a player, my first priority is to perform well and achieve results. I want to play without forgetting the debt of gratitude I owe.' His number has been set to 99. He will contribute as a valuable veteran to a team full of young players and momentum. (Toui Moriguchi)