DeNA and Softbank Hawks announced a trade agreement between two players, Yudai Yamamoto and Shuto Ogata pitcher, Tomoya Inoue on December 12.

Yuta Yamamoto, who is transferring to Softbank Hawks, joined DeNA in 2017 as the 9th pick in the draft. He played in over 100 games in 2024 and 2025, and in 2024 he won the Best Nine and Golden Glove awards, rising to a position close to being the starting catcher. This season, he has played in 28 games so far, with a batting average of .227, 1 Home Run, and 8 RBI, and he was in starting line-up lineup as the 5th batter and catcher in the game Hanshin Tigers on the 10th.

Ogata, who is transferring to DeNA, appeared in a career-high 38 games last season, and this season he has appeared in 10 games so far with a record of 0 wins and 2 losses and ERA 3.00. Most recently, closer a relief appearance in the game against Lotte on the 8th, pitching one runs inning.

Inoue is infielder in his sixth year with the team, having been drafted first overall in 2020. He has not yet played in the first team this season, instead appearing in 22 games in the minor leagues, where he has a batting average of .250, 2 Home Run, and 5 RBI.

▼ Shuto Ogata

"I'm sad to leave after nine years, but no matter where I play baseball, my goals will remain the same, so I want to continue honing my skills and working towards my dreams. DeNA, like The Hawks, seems to be very technologically advanced. I enjoy using such things, so I'm grateful. I've always received warm support from the fans, and I'm truly thankful."

▼ Tomoya Inoue

"I was able to grow both mentally and physically at The Hawks. Although I was drafted first overall, I wasn't able to perform as well as I had hoped, and I experienced a lot of frustration. However, I now have the opportunity to join Yokohama DeNA, and the team atmosphere seems good, so I will do my best with a renewed spirit. To all The Hawks fans, thank you for your tremendous support at the Dome and in Chikugo."