Hokkaido Nippon-Ham contract extra inning with Reyes

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham announced that they have reached an agreement with Reyes for a contract extra inning for the 2027 season.

In his third year in Japan this season, Reyes played in 128 games and became the leading hitter with a .313 batting average. Additionally, following last season where he won two titles, he hit 32 Home Runs and led the team as the main gun.

▼ Reyes Comment ▼
"I am very happy to be able to play for this team again. I am grateful to the fans and everyone in the organization for believing in me, and I will do my best next season as well. Thank you for your continued support."

The posting process for Kaima Taira of the Saitama Seibu Lions has been completed.

Seibu Lions announced that they have applied for pitcher Kaima Taira 's transfer to MLB through the posting system via the Nippon Professional baseball Organization, and that all MLB clubs have been notified. Negotiations will begin at 8:00 AM US Eastern Time on November 2 (10:00 PM Japan Time on November 2).

Saitama Seibu Lions' Kona Takahashi exercises overseas free agency rights

It was announced that pitcher Kona Takahashi of the Saitama Seibu Lions has exercised his international free agency rights.

Pitcher Kona Takahashi joined the team as the first-round draft pick in 2014. He recorded 5 wins in 8 appearances during his rookie year and established himself in the starting rotation in 2019. From 2021, he served as the opening day pitcher for three consecutive years and showcased his skills as an ace by achieving double-digit wins. In his 12th season this year, he recorded 9 wins and 6 losses with an ERA of 2.54 in 22 games, contributing to the team's first postseason appearance in four years.

▼Comment from Pitcher Kona Takahashi▼
"I am filled with gratitude toward the many people who have supported me and for the fact that I have been able to continue pitching on the first-team stage without any major injuries. Regarding my FA rights, I decided to exercise them as a result of considering my future baseball life and prioritizing my own feelings about what I want to do.

I was honestly happy to receive words from the club saying, 'Thank you for pitching for The Lions all this time.' I believe that I am who I am today because they continued to use me even during difficult times. I am truly grateful. Many things happened during the 12 years I spent with The Lions, but it went by in a flash. They respected each individual's personality and allowed me to play freely. I feel that it was because of that environment that I was able to develop my abilities.

I am truly grateful to all the fans for supporting me through both good and bad times. In particular, I really love and have a strong impression of the loud cheers that felt like they were pushing me forward, saying 'Go get 'em,' when my entrance music played as I headed to the mound in the 9th inning.

During the year when I couldn't get a single win, I was personally struggling and felt that I couldn't meet the expectations of many people. I received harsh words, but more than that, the encouragement of 'You can do it' and 'You've still got more in you' remains in my heart even now. It was truly reassuring that people stayed by my side and kept speaking to me even when I wasn't getting the results I wanted. It is because of everyone's support that I have been able to keep pitching until now. I am truly grateful. Thank you very much."

Chiba Lotte Marines' Kazuya Ojima exercises FA rights

It was announced that Chiba Lotte Marines pitcher Kazuya Ojima will exercise the FA rights he acquired this season.

Pitcher Ojima joined Chiba Lotte as the 3rd draft pick in 2018, and after recording his first double-digit win total in 2021, he reached the regulation innings pitched for five consecutive years from that same year until last season. In 2024, he marked a career-high 12 wins. This season, he had a period of adjustment in the farm team during the early stages, finishing with a record of 6 wins, 9 losses, and an ERA of 3.53 in 20 appearances.

▼Comment from Pitcher Ojima▼
"I would like to report that I have completed the procedures to exercise my FA rights today. I cannot thank The Marines enough for selecting me in the draft and allowing me to enter the world of professional baseball, and I am truly grateful to the managers, coaches, teammates, and all the fans for raising me to where I am today.

I agonized over whether or not to declare FA. Through both good times and bad, for eight years, I have swung my arm thinking only of the team rather than myself. I reached this decision because I have a strong desire to directly hear the evaluations from other teams regarding my professional baseball life and to look at myself objectively. I am truly grateful to The Marines for understanding my feelings.

Going forward, I intend to sincerely listen to the words of every club I am able to speak with and make the decision that I am most satisfied with. Of course, my feelings of gratitude and attachment to The Marines, who have taken care of me until now, are very strong. I want to carefully consider the option of staying as well and make a decision with no regrets.

Looking back, these eight years since entering the professional world have gone by in a flash. In order to make the rest of my baseball life fulfilling, I want to make a decision after thinking it through thoroughly."

Chiba Lotte Marines conduct draft pick greeting for 6th round selection Kosei Tanaka

Chiba Lotte Marines conducted a draft pick greeting for 6th round pick Kosei Tanaka at Nichinan Gakuen High School. Amateur Scout Director Yasuhiro Enoki and Scout in charge Yoichi Fukuzawa attended.

▼Kosei Tanaka Comment▼
"Receiving today's draft greeting has made it feel more real. Since I am from Miyakonojo City, which is also the spring training site for the Chiba Lotte Marines, I feel a strong connection, and I want to grow so that I can become a player who represents the team in the professional world and aim to win the title of leading hitter."

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