It became highly likely on the 12th that Orix Buffaloes pitchers Anderson Espinoza (28) and Andrés Machado (33) will remain with the team for next season. The club evaluates them as indispensable assets and has presented terms based on a significant increase from their current salaries of 230 million yen for Espinoza and 280 million yen for Machado (both estimated). Negotiations have been ongoing since the end of the season and are reportedly progressing smoothly.

Both entering their third year in Japan, Espinoza achieved a career-high 13 wins to earn his first Most Valuable Pitcher title. Machado also secured his first Most Saves title, reaching a career-high 35 saves. As the pillar of the starting rotation and the absolute closer respectively, these two foreign players supported the team, which finished in 4th place and fell into the B-class for the first time in two years. With other domestic and international teams showing interest, the fact that a certain direction has been established can be seen as a relief.

The team's 605 runs and 3.96 ERA were the worst in the league. The club moved quickly and has been working with maximum enthusiasm to persuade him to stay. In terms of FA reinforcements, it has been decided to move to acquire catcher Yasutaka Tobashira (36), who exercised his international FA rights from DeNA. The plan is to add 'experience' to the catcher group centered around Wakatsuki and Tomoya Mori. Next season will be Manager Kishida's third year. Aiming for a rebuild, they are steadily preparing their strength.