The NPB offseason rolled into high gear on December 2, delivering a barrage of news that felt like a full-on traffic jam of roster movement. From the release of protected player lists to free agency decisions and new MLB rumors, it was a day packed with developments that could reshape the 2026 season.

In this roundup, we break down why these moves are happening and what they mean for each club moving forward. If you’re an NPB fan, this is a day you’ll want to file away.

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1. Giants Lead Massive Roster Overhaul After Release of Protected Player List

NPB unveiled its 2026 reserved player lists on December 2. Though this is an annual event, this year’s version commanded unusual attention—primarily because of the Yomiuri Giants’ sweeping roster shake-up.

Key Giants Departures

The Giants released 9 pitchers and 8 outfielders, a staggering level of turnover.
Notable names include Chono, Shigenobu, Okoe, and Ohtsaka—each offering different skill sets and experience.

Veterans Depart; A New Generation Steps In

• The retirements of Hisayoshi Chono, Shinnosuke Shigenobu, and Daisuke Kondo mark a symbolic generational shift.
  Chono’s retirement in particular has been framed as a turning point in the Giants’ clubhouse culture.

Players Seeking a Fresh Start

Imamura, Takahashi Rei, Baba, Toda, and Ohtsaka are expected to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
Takahashi Rei—one of Japan’s few true submariners—could attract teams looking to re-evaluate him as a bullpen asset.

Foreign Talent Moving On

Griffin, Keller, Fulp, and Hernández are all projected to move overseas.
Griffin reportedly has legitimate MLB interest, with several clubs viewing him as a back-end rotation option.

Okoe Rui’s Next Chapter

Okoe is heading overseas, generating excitement among fans hoping he can unlock his athletic potential abroad.
Possible paths include U.S. independent leagues, an MLB-affiliated minor league deal, or other Asian circuits.

What the Giants’ strategy shows

• Bold restructuring of the outfield
• Preparing to elevate a wave of young players
• Resetting foreign-player slots
• Building a sturdier pitching foundation

This is nothing short of a “Year One of Reform” for the Giants.

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2. Seibu Ace Tatsuya Imai: MLB Move Appears Imminent

As the Winter Meetings approach, buzz around Tatsuya Imai’s posting has intensified, fueled by U.S. media analysis.

Why MLB teams want him

• Mid-to-high-150 km/h fastball
• Deep pitch mix
• Just 27 years old
• Strong strikeout profile

MLB Trade Rumors projected his value at 6 years, $150 million—a historic figure for a Japanese starter and far above Yusei Kikuchi’s 3-year, $46.5M contract.

Top Suitors: Yankees & Orioles

Yankees

• Starting pitching is their top priority
• Japanese pitchers have historically thrived in the Bronx
• Imai is seen as MLB-ready from day one

Orioles

• Young, talented roster lacking top-end starters
• Imai fits their long-term “ace” blueprint

Why the Giants reportedly backed out

The financial scale and preference for left-handed pitching may have pushed them away.

Seibu’s New Challenge

If Imai departs, Seibu must restructure its rotation around:

• The uncertain future of Kona Takahashi
• A bigger role for Wataru Matsumoto
• Rapid development from recent draftees

While losing an ace hurts, the club’s willingness to support Imai’s MLB dream reflects a healthier modern player-team relationship.

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3. SoftBank Targeting Anthony Kay: More Than a Simple Depth Move

SoftBank is moving aggressively to sign former DeNA lefty Anthony Kay, and the reasons run deeper than just adding an arm.

Why Kay fits

• MLB experience
• Can work as a starter or reliever
• Strong strikeout ability
• Ideal addition for a team lacking left-handed depth

SoftBank’s Pitching Puzzle

The Hawks currently face:

• A shortage of left-handed relievers
• Thin starting depth
• Uncertainty around Kohei Arihara’s next move

Kay’s arrival could:

• Aid negotiations to keep Arihara
• Push young starters to compete
• Stabilize the bullpen

Competition from Other Clubs

Nippon-Ham is also exploring a reunion with former ace Arihara, and Giants could join the chase—raising the stakes heading into year-end.

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4. DeNA Star Masashi Kuwahara Leaves for Seibu via Free Agency

Kuwahara’s FA decision delivered one of the day’s most emotional storylines, amplified by his unusual farewell press conference.

Key Themes from the Conference

• He informed the manager first—highlighting his professionalism
• He wanted to thank fans directly
• Tears flowed as he reflected on 14 years in Yokohama

What Kuwahara brings to Seibu

• Starting-caliber center fielder
• Wide defensive range to support the pitching staff
• Balanced speed and pop
• A steady veteran presence for young outfielders

Many Seibu fans are calling the move “quietly the best signing of the offseason.”

What This Means for DeNA

Kuwahara’s departure elevates the roles of:

• Taiki Sekine
• Koki Kajiwara
• Yoshishi Ohta

A new-look outfield is on the way for Yokohama.

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5. Proposed CS Format Changes Stir Debate—Some Fans Call for Abolition

Weekly Josei PRIME reported a potential change to the Climax Series—from a 4-win requirement to 5 wins for the Final Stage.

SNS quickly lit up with mixed opinions:

• “Too long!”
• “What’s the point of the advantage anymore?”
• “Just get rid of the CS altogether.”

Underlying Issue: The Long Layoff

• Teams wait too long before the Japan Series
• Concerns about fan disengagement
• Need to balance competitive rhythm with revenue

The Pacific League’s CS in particular has faced criticism for feeling like “glorified exhibition games,” making reform inevitable.

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6. NPB to Introduce Larger Bases in 2026

Following MLB’s success, NPB will adopt expanded bases, already tested in the fall instructional league.

Expected benefits:

• Fewer injuries
• Closer plays at first base
• Boost in stolen-base attempts

A small change with potentially big impact on pace and excitement.

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7. Social Media Reaction: Okoe & Imai Dominate the Trends

The two names that lit up Japanese SNS on December 2 were:

Rui Okoe

Fans overwhelmingly voiced their support:
“Hope he shines abroad.”
“Come back stronger to NPB one day!”

Tatsuya Imai

“Proud to see him challenge the world.”
“Sad to lose him, but this is what aces do.”

Even in the offseason, fan passion continues to fuel NPB’s energy.

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Final Takeaway: December 2 Marked the Start of NPB’s Run-Up to 2026

From major roster upheaval to MLB-bound stars and postseason reform debates, December 2 offered a preview of a league in transition.

• Giants begin a sweeping rebuild
• Seibu prepares for life after Imai
• SoftBank works to reshape its pitching staff
• DeNA adjusts to Kuwahara’s departure
• NPB weighs the future of its postseason model

With free agency, trades, foreign-player signings, and posting negotiations all heating up, the offseason is only getting started.
Stay tuned—there’s much more to come.

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