- Go Higashihama – Starting Pitcher, Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks
- Go Matsumoto – INF/OF Utility, Hokkaido Nippon-Ham → Yomiuri Giants
- Ryosuke Tatsumi – CF, Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles
- Munetaka Murakami – 3B, Tokyo Yakult Swallows
- Masayuki Kuwahara – CF, Yokohama DeNA → Saitama Seibu Lions
- Kazuma Okamoto – 1B/3B, Yomiuri Giants
- Kona Takahashi – Starting Pitcher, Saitama Seibu Lions
Go Higashihama – Starting Pitcher, Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks
FA Type: Domestic FA
Status: Negotiating to stay with SoftBank
Profile
Higashihama has long been a reliable anchor in the Hawks’ rotation. A standout since his college days, he has consistently delivered steady, damage-limiting outings. His game is built on precision command and the ability to control the pace of a matchup.
Key Traits & Track Record
- Excellent command and low-variance pitching style
- Not a “spot starter” — he’s a full-season rotation asset
- SoftBank is reportedly pushing hard to retain him
- Viewed across the league as a plug-and-play rotation candidate
Go Matsumoto – INF/OF Utility, Hokkaido Nippon-Ham → Yomiuri Giants
FA Type: Domestic FA
Status: Signed with Giants (2 years, ¥250M)
Profile
A pure contact hitter with excellent bat control, Matsumoto brings a balanced skill set across hitting, baserunning, and defense. His ability to play both infield and outfield makes him a premium utility piece. He was also a clubhouse leader with the Fighters.
Key Traits & Track Record
- 2022 Pacific League batting champion
- More of a “table-setter” than a power threat
- Covers wide defensive range with steady glove work
- Perfect fit for the Giants’ goal of deepening their lineup depth
Ryosuke Tatsumi – CF, Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles
FA Type: Domestic FA
Status: Staying with Rakuten
Profile
One of the elite defensive center fielders in NPB. Tatsumi’s speed and strong arm have earned him multiple Golden Glove awards. Offensively, he has steadily improved, showing sharper discipline at the plate.
Key Traits & Track Record
- Among the best defensive outfielders in NPB
- Speed-driven offensive style
- Highly trusted within Rakuten as a franchise cornerstone
- Staying via FA reinforces his status as a “homegrown face” of the team
Munetaka Murakami – 3B, Tokyo Yakult Swallows
FA Type: International FA
Status: Posted for MLB (ongoing)
Profile
The most feared slugger in Japanese baseball. Murakami delivered a historic 2022 season with 56 home runs and a Triple Crown, establishing himself as a generational superstar. At a young age, he is already a central figure for both the Swallows and Team Japan.
Key Traits & Track Record
- Multiple-time HR champion, RBI leader, and MVP
- Elite power + disciplined approach at the plate
- Can drive the ball to all fields with ease
- Considered an “immediate everyday player” by MLB evaluators
- The biggest storyline of the 2025 offseason
Masayuki Kuwahara – CF, Yokohama DeNA → Saitama Seibu Lions
FA Type: International FA
Status: Signed with Seibu (3 years, ¥300M)
Profile
A defense-first outfielder with outstanding range in center field. Kuwahara has earned multiple Golden Gloves and is widely respected for his reads, jumps, and leadership presence. Offensively he can be streaky, but has surprising pop when locked in.
Key Traits & Track Record
- Defensive metrics consistently among NPB’s best
- Known for clutch hitting in big moments
- Seibu values both his stability on defense and veteran leadership
- Well-known as a positive clubhouse presence
Kazuma Okamoto – 1B/3B, Yomiuri Giants
FA Type: International FA
Status: Staying with Giants (long-term deal)
Profile
The undisputed cleanup hitter of the Giants. Okamoto combines elite power with strong situational hitting, on-base skills, and reliable corner-infield defense. One of the most complete right-handed sluggers in Japan.
Key Traits & Track Record
- Multiple HR and RBI titles
- A consistent “30+ HR per season” threat
- Gold Glove-caliber defense at both 1B and 3B
- Giants made retaining him a top priority
- Proven performer in international competitions
Kona Takahashi – Starting Pitcher, Saitama Seibu Lions
FA Type: International FA
Status: In negotiations
Profile
The Lions’ workhorse ace through the early 2020s. Takahashi mixes a lively fastball with sharp off-speed pitches, and is known for his durability — consistently logging deep outings and stabilizing the rotation.
Key Traits & Track Record
- Can hold a rotation spot for a full season with ease
- Served as Seibu’s front-line ace throughout the 2020s
- MLB scouts praise his size and fastball strength
- Not flashy, but extremely effective at “winning-style” pitching
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