Softbank Hawks On the 30th, the team announced the acquisition of Jackson Latridge pitcher (27) — formerly of the Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate — as a new foreign player. He is a 203-centimeter, 109-kilogram right-handed starter, bringing the team’s roster to the maximum of 70 players under contract. This adds the final piece to the team’s puzzle as they prepare for the “Magic Number” to be activated as early as August 4 The Hawks.

American-born Rutledge was drafted in the first round of the 2019 MLB draft by the Nationals. He made his major league debut in 2023 and recorded 5 wins in 71 games. The team finished the first half of the season in first place, 5.5 games ahead of second-place Seibu Lions. Manager Kokubo, who is steadily progressing towards a third consecutive league championship, had emphasized that "the starting pitching staff is a challenge," so Rutledge, with his tall frame and fastball approaching 160 km/h, can be said to be an accurate reinforcement.

With rising stars like Otsu (9 wins) and Maeda Yu (8 wins) in the starting rotation, Moinelo, who had been behind in his preparations, is also expected to return in August. The new foreign player, who will wear number "14," made a strong statement through the team saying, "I will do my best to contribute to achieving the championship." The second half of the season will begin with a game against Rakuten Eagles on the 31st (Rakuten Eagles Mobile). With their strengthened roster, they will pull away from their rival teams in one fell swoop.