On the 22nd, the Kanagawa Future Dreams of the Route Inn BC League held a press conference in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and announced the signing of former Seibu Lions Lions pitcher Katsunori Hirai (34).

Hirai, a native of Aichi Prefecture, went to Hiryu (Shizuoka) and Aisan University before joining Seibu Lions in the fifth round of the 2004 draft from Honda Suzuka. 17 years later, he was a member of the Japanese national team for the Asia Pro baseball Championship and led his team to victory.

Armed with slider that traces a unique trajectory, he pitched in 81 games in 2019, setting a Pacific League record for most appearances in a season and the second-highest in NPB history. Fans in Tokorozawa called him "God, Buddha, Hirai-sama," and he made a significant contribution to the team's league championship.

In NPB, he appeared in a total of 350 games, recording 29 wins, 25 losses, 104 hold, and ERA 3.39. After leaving Seibu Lions at the end of the 2025 season, he played for the Laguna Union Cotton Farmers in the Mexican League until midway through this season.

Hirai, who appeared at the press conference alongside pitcher-coach Hayato Takagi, a former teammate of his from Seibu Lions days, commented, "I will do my best to contribute to the team's win. I will still run around with youthful energy!" All eyes are on his performance in his new team.