Yakult Orix Buffaloes Jo Endo ’s developmental player, , whose transfer to the team has been finalized, vowed to make a comeback. Following the announcement shortly after noon on the 26th, he commented through the club: “I am truly grateful to for picking me up after I was released and for creating an environment where I can . However, I feel sorry that I was unable to contribute as a member of the first team. , so I am filled with gratitude. I will treat this as my last chance, give my absolute best performance, and I am determined to become a valuable asset to the first team.” infielder The Buffaloes baseball The Swallows

Endo is from Akita. After graduating from Tokai University Sagami High School, he was selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2019 draft by the Hanshin Tigers. He excelled in the minor leagues as a speedy, versatile player infield and was named MVP of the Farm Japan Championship in his second year.In 2024, he appeared in 126 second-team games, posting a .262 batting average, leading the league in on-base percentage (.394), and ranking second in stolen base (30), earning the title for highest on-base percentage. However, having never made it to the first team, he was released during the offseason and transferred to Orix Buffaloes on a development contract.

Last season, he also tried playing in outfield to increase his playing opportunities. He appeared in 76 games and achieved career highs in his sixth year as a professional, with a batting average of .282, an on-base percentage of .410, a slugging percentage of .381, and an OPS of .791. His highest batting average reached .328, but due to the team's need for a power pitcher, he was not promoted to the main roster.

He was the only player allowed to participate in the autumn training camp as a developmental player, showing how much he was valued. In his second year with the team, however, he was sidelined from mid-March to early May due to a lower body injury. After his return, he aimed to become a regular player by playing both infield and outfield. "My strength is that I can play in various positions. I still have three months (until the registration deadline at the end of July)," he said, showing his enthusiasm.

There's something I always keep in mind. "I want to enjoy each at-bat, facing off against the opposing pitcher and catcher. This kind of experience isn't something to be taken for granted, so I enjoy it. I'm doing something in the professional world that other people don't get to experience. I don't worry about my form or anything like that; I just enjoy the showdown against my opponent."

This season, stolen base 8 bases in 34 games. Yakult must have valued his versatility in playing both infield and outfield, as well as his speed. Expectations for him to be promoted to the main roster are rising. "I'm not trying to produce results; I'm just going to enjoy the happiness of being able to baseball." He will approach the game naturally, with the joy of being asked to contribute to the team in his heart.

Interview and text by Masaki Kitano