In this season’s Pacific League, six pitcher have already recorded 20 hold points (HP) or more, making the race for the reliever pitcher title a tight contest. It’s also interesting to note that, given the top four drivers have never won the title before, there’s a high probability that a pitcher will emerge to claim their first championship.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the pitcher who are currently ranked in the top 10 in HP in this season’s Pacific League, as well as the performance of each pitcher. We’ll revisit the characteristics of each pitcher as indicated by the metrics and consider the outlook for the title race moving forward. (*Statistics are current as of the end of the match on July 26.)

Ren Mukunoki, who demonstrates exceptional control, and two other pitcher boasting high strike out rates are competing for the title.

The following are pitcher in Pacific League this season who are ranked in the top 10 in terms of holds (HP).

　Ren Mukunoki pitcher has recorded a league-leading 27 holds. Hibiki Shinohara pitcher had 24 holds. Shota Suzuki pitcher had 23 holds. Hiroshi Kaino pitcher is just behind with 21 holds. Hiroya Shimamoto pitcher, Yuki Matsumoto pitcher is tied for 5th place with 20 holds. Seigi Tanaka pitcher, Osuna pitcher is in 7th place with 18 holds. Wingenter pitcher is in 9th place. Akira Yagi pitcher is ranked 10th.

Next, let's look at the various metrics used by pitcher who are among the top 10 in the league in terms of HP (Hit Points).

Mukaki pitcher posted a 10.70 ERA strike out in four starts during his rookie season in 2022, but his ERA strike out has declined since 2024, following his return from Tommy John surgery.On the other hand, this season, over 34.1 inning innings, he has allowed just 4 Walk, posting a BB of 1.05 and a K/BB ratio of 6.75—demonstrating remarkable control. With a WHIP of 0.87, he has shown exceptional stability, limiting runner to fewer than one closer per inning.

In contrast, Shinohara pitcher and Kaiono pitcher recorded strike out counts exceeding innings pitched, while Suzuki pitcher also recorded 32 strike out in 32.2 inning, which is a notable feature.Since Suzuki pitcher has never before recorded a strike out count exceeding innings pitched, it seems reasonable to view his performance this season—with a strike out rate of 8.82—as a dominant pitch that far surpasses his hitter from 2024, when he recorded a ERA of 0.73.

Nineteen-year-old Shinohara pitcher made his first-team debut just last year, and although he appeared in only two games that season, he posted an exceptionally high strike out of 10.29.This season, with an increased number of appearances, he has maintained a high-level performance with a strike out of 9.60, and is making the most of his strengths on the first-team stage, on the verge of a major breakthrough as a setup reliever.

In addition, Suzuki pitcher has a BB of 3.31, and Shinohara pitcher has a BB of 3.60; their strength lies not only in their high strike out but also in their consistent control. The fact that they have a high number of strike out and keep BB below a certain threshold closer—an ideal trend in sabermetrics—directly translates to stability as pitcher.

Many pitcher are competing fiercely, including Hiroshi Kaino and Seigi Tanaka, whose strike out rates have improved.

While pitcher Kaihino has control issues with BB rate of 5.65, he has recorded a very high strike out rate of 10.06. After transferring to the Saitama Seibu Lions in 2024 strike out rate had been slightly lower for two consecutive years, staying in the 7s. However, this season he has regained the powerful pitch that is in line with his career-strike out rate of 9.38, and is performing brilliantly in both the setup man and closer roles.

In 2019, while playing for Hanshin Tigers Tigers, pitcher Shimamoto appeared in 63 games and posted outstanding numbers with ERA of 1.67 and strike out rate of 9.10. However, from 2014 onwards, strike out rate dropped to the 3s for two consecutive years. This season, his first year with the new team, he is showing a similar trend with a strikeout rate of 4.28. However, his BB rate is 2.59, and BB rate this season is 2.96, indicating that he possesses a certain level of control. He has shifted to a pitching pitch that relies on inducing ground balls and fly balls, and has been achieving results.

In contrast to his teammate pitcher, pitcher Tanaka has recorded excellent numbers this season in both strike out rate (9.38) and BB rate (1.99). His K/BB ratio of 4.71 and WHIP of 0.88 are outstanding metrics, confirming that his pitch performance is even better than his ERA of 3.13 suggests. His career strike out rate is 8.90 and BB rate is 2.81, showing a similar trend throughout his career and demonstrating his high level of ability as pitcher.

pitcher Yu Matsumoto had recorded strike out innings pitched for four consecutive years from 2022, but this season strike out rate is 7.36, which is slightly lower than in previous years. However, BB rate is 1.47, which is far better than his career average of 3.32, and his K/BB ratio is 5.00, indicating a significant improvement in his control, which is considered one of the main reasons why he is able to pitch as consistently as in previous years.

pitcher Osuna has posted impressive statistics strike out rate of 9.51, BB rate of 1.29, and a K/BB ratio of 7.40, overcoming the struggles of the past two years plagued by injuries and poor performance, and is making a comeback as a setup man.

Despite a late start due to injury, pitcher has recorded hold in all 16 games he has pitched this season, maintaining an impressive 0.00 ERA. strike out rate is 9.39 and his WHIP is 0.78, demonstrating excellent statistics. pitcher Yagi has strike out rate of 5.93, but BB rate is 2.20, showing stable control, and he has made a unique contribution by accumulating more than half of his 15 hold points through wins earned in relief.

After weathering the crucial summer season, which pitcher will emerge as the champion of the reliever?

With his incredible control and consistently strong pitch, pitcher is currently the top contender for the title. pitcher and pitcher also possess high strike out rates and consistent control, making it highly likely they will continue to pitch steadily. pitcher, however, is currently serving as closer due to team circumstances, which will likely put him a step behind in the race for the Best reliever title.

With pitcher Shimamoto and pitcher also seeing their monthly ERA worsen in July, there's still a chance that Matsumoto pitcher, last season's Best reliever pitcher, could make a comeback. Furthermore, it's worth noting that pitcher, whose BABIP (Batting Average Against Batters In Play) is above the benchmark of .300, a factor largely influenced by luck, could see a rebound in his fortunes in the future.

As summer approaches and the season heads towards its climax, which pitcher will accumulate the most HP in the upcoming games? With a strong possibility of pitcher winning their first career title, this fierce competition is definitely worth keeping an eye on this season.

Written by Ryota Mochizuki