Softbank Hawks announced on March 25 that Koya Fujii pitcher has successfully undergone right elbow medial collateral ligament reconstruction surgery (commonly known as Tommy John surgery) and joint cleaning surgery at a hospital in Saga City. He is expected to take 12 months to return to competition and is not expected to pitch this season.

Fujii complained of discomfort in his right elbow in January and joined the Miyazaki training camp on February 17. On the 20th, he practiced pitch to catcher for the first time, but on the 21st he again complained of poor condition in his right elbow. He left the Miyazaki training camp on the same day and returned to Fukuoka.

Last season, he formed the win formula "Kiju Trio" with Sugiyama and Matsumoto Yutaka. He pitched 51 times, with 2 wins, 3 losses, 19 hold, and ERA of 1.44. His departure was a huge blow to the team's quest for a third consecutive league championship.