December 9, 2025 – 4th NPB Active Player Draft: X (Twitter) Reactions by Team

NPB’s biggest off-season event is here again.
Today (December 9, 2025), the 4th NPB Active Player Draft kicks off with a closed online meeting from 1:00 p.m., and results are expected in the evening.

On paper, the system exists to “give more playing time to players stuck on the bench.”
In reality, for fans it’s a bittersweet day:

“Who are we going to lose?”
“Who are we going to get?”

Since this morning, X (formerly Twitter) has been flooded with predictions, nervous jokes, and emotional posts. In this article, we’ve picked up fan reactions for each team, based mainly on the public protection/unprotected lists (Nikkan Sports and other outlets), and organized the mood around the league.

We focused on anonymous / general fans and recent posts from December 8–9.
And of course… watch out for fake news!
(Plenty of people still haven’t forgiven last year’s fake image about Imagawa being traded, lol.)

Overall Mood: 50% Excitement, 50% Anxiety

League-wide, the tone is very “it’s sad, but maybe this is their chance.”

Fans frequently mention past breakout cases like Seiya Hosokawa and Kotaro Ohtake, saying “Hope we get another surprise success story this year.”
At the same time, there’s a colder view too: “It’s basically just a way for fringe players to be pushed out.”

On X, content from former players and analysts is especially influential:

Takagi Yutaka’s prediction post blew up with over 1,900 likes.
Satozaki Tomoya’s mock draft is also a hot topic.
Some fans even joke, “I’m more excited for this than the M-1 Grand Prix.”

The emotional mix is clear:

Hoping someone will blossom, while bracing yourself to say goodbye.

Central League – Fan Reactions by Team

Hanshin Tigers

Still basking in the glow of their championship, Tigers fans are greedy for more reinforcement.
The big talking point is Kota Inoue appearing on some projected lists, which has people nervously asking:

“What are the odds they actually expose Inoue?”

Given past Active Draft hits like Ohtake and Hata, the fanbase is united on one thing:

“We want pitching. Give us more arms!”

Example moods on X:

“If Hanshin loses Shimada in the draft I’ll go ramen-free for 53 days. If Inoue goes, I’m buying a Nakagawa jersey. Anyway, we need pitchers again this year.” (@yuki2525star)
“People are guessing who’ll get picked in the Active Draft and, based on past years, they’re usually pretty accurate…🤨” (@ra_tiger13)
“Today’s the Active Draft… I’m excited to see who comes in, but it hurts knowing someone has to leave 🥴” (@ra_tiger13)

Yokohama DeNA BayStars

With the memory of Taiga Kamichatani moving to SoftBank still fresh, BayStars fans are on high alert:

“Please don’t let it be another important guy this year…”

On the incoming side, the needs are clear:

“We need a solid reliever.”

Some fans note that DeNA’s overall off-season moves have gone pretty well and say they’re hoping to pull off one more smart addition via the Active Draft.
In many league-wide prediction posts, there are repeated comments like “This player will probably end up with DeNA.”

Yomiuri Giants

Thanks to Satozaki’s prediction list, names like Hagio, Okada, Sasaki, Asano, Wakabayashi, and Mitsuzuka are floating around Giants fan spaces.
Many are hoping for defense-first reinforcements, especially in the outfield and up the middle.

Some also look back at Rui Okoe’s move to the Giants as a reference point:

“It’s the Active Draft again. It’s kind of sad, but Satozaki’s predictions are pretty realistic, aren’t they… #giants #巨人” (@ruby0121)
Lists from accounts like @fukudasun summarizing Giants players who could be eligible (pitchers Nishidate, Akaboshi, outfielders Hagio, Okada, etc.) are widely quoted and fuel speculation.

Chunichi Dragons

Dragons fans boast proudly about the Hosokawa Seiya miracle story, but when it comes to this year:

“We want pitching. Definitely pitching!”

Names like Akira Neo, Kosuke Ukai, and Shonosuke Hama pop up often, with a surprisingly gentle tone:

“I love them, but maybe they should get a chance somewhere else…”

Example posts:

“For Chunichi, the Active Draft has to be about getting a legit pitcher. The young arms still feel very unfinished.” (@kitano5505)
“As a Dragons fan I’m scared to see who we’ll lose. I love Neo, but I feel like he’d be better off on another team… I really hope we pick up a pitcher.” (@homura1106_)
“Neo is someone you really should let go and shine elsewhere, but he’s not as ‘popular’ a pick as you’d think. I want Ukai to change environments and break out.” (@h_onuru)

Hiroshima Toyo Carp

Carp fans point to past Active Draft hits like Tone and Uchima as proof the system can work for them.
This year, however, the conversation leans toward:

“We probably go for a position player, right?”

But with names like Kota Hayashi and Ohdou being mentioned as possible outs:

“Feels like we’ll take a position player. It really hurts seeing my favorites Hayashi and Ohdou mentioned as candidates.” (@akaisuisei0405)
“Today is Active Draft day 🙂 But honestly, my impression is that even after moving, some players still don’t get enough playing time 🥲 I hope the system keeps improving so more of them can really thrive 🥹” (@chie131_c1831)

Tokyo Yakult Swallows

Swallows fans remember the previous Active Draft pickup Takumi Kitamura, and many are weirdly relaxed:

“We’re a team that usually just takes the ‘participation prize’, so I’m not too worried…”

The name Takuya Yazaki triggers both concern and excitement:

“Yasu isn’t on the list!! Good!!ദ്ദി ˃ ᵕ ˂” (interpreted as Yazaki) (@n1n1m2ocha73)
“Today is the Active Draft. This year they changed some of the rules, so I’m curious to see how that affects things. Someone will definitely leave, and someone will definitely join… I just hope it brings positive change.” (@TsubameZoku)
“Going into the Active Draft isn’t something to pity a player for. The point is to give chances to guys who have talent but haven’t been able to show it.” (@swllwswllws)

Pacific League – Fan Reactions by Team

Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks

Because the Hawks are a powerhouse, there’s a strong image of them being a “talent vacuum” in the Active Draft:

“In the end, everyone just ends up on SoftBank, Nippon-Ham, Orix, Hanshin, Giants, or DeNA.”

The big emotional flashpoint this year is catcher Riku Watanabe:

“Don’t you dare let Watanabe go!”

“Active Draft day again… my heart is pounding lol” (@komnyanjanjan)

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters

With predictions involving Daigo Kamikawabata, Fighters fans are visibly nervous.
There’s also lingering trauma from last year’s slow result announcement:

“I will never forgive whoever made that fake ‘Imagawa transfer’ image when last year’s Active Draft results took forever to be officially announced. First of all, I just hope everything goes smoothly this year and we don’t have delays like that again.” (@ham_sand_ieyasu)

Orix Buffaloes

Buffaloes fans were apparently stunned by the big names rumored to be on their list:

“I was shocked that Orix put such a good player on the Active Draft list.” (@kinbricksnow)

The general vibe:

“We’re seriously exposing that guy?!”

Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles

With names like Taisei Tsurusaki and Kazuki Tanaka being thrown around, Rakuten fans are trying to stay positive:

“This might be a chance to reinforce the outfield, right?”

“Hope someone grabs him in the Active Draft. I swear he’d be sneaky good for them! lol” (@askt601, likely a Rakuten fan)

Saitama Seibu Lions

With Junichiro Kishi often mentioned, Lions fans are dreaming about:

“Could this be the key to upgrading our defense?”

Some also recall the Taiga Hirasawa pickup in previous years as a model case.

“By the time I’m done with work, the Active Draft results will already be out… I just want everyone to grab their chance 🥺” (@ALLoversLeoLina)

Chiba Lotte Marines

With Kojiro Wada rumored as a possible out, Marines fans are anxious about:

“Are we going to lose another outfielder?”

There’s also a strong anti-fake-news mood in this fanbase:

“Will some lunatic spread fake Active Draft rumors again this year⁉️” (@NemotoMarines87)

Case Study: Shuuto Sakurai – From “Kiyomiya Killer” to CPBL

The Active Player Draft isn’t just about NPB.
One of its most symbolic figures, Shuuto Sakurai, is now battling in Taiwan.

Basic Profile

Name: Shuuto Sakurai (櫻井周斗)
Born: June 25, 1999
From: Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture
Pitcher: Left-handed thrower, left-handed batter
Size: 178 cm, 86 kg
High School: Nihon University Third High School (Nichidai San)
- Nicknamed the “Kiyomiya Killer” in high school
- Played at Koshien in both spring and summer

NPB Entry & DeNA Days

Drafted in 2017, 5th round by the Yokohama DeNA BayStars
Used mainly as both a reliever and spot starter
In 2021, pitched in 5 games for the top team (ERA 4.50)
In 2023, he returned from developmental contract to standard roster, but had no first-team appearances

Active Draft Move to Rakuten

On December 8, 2023, at the 2nd Active Player Draft, Sakurai moved from DeNA to Rakuten
Took uniform number 40
At his press conference, he said he wanted to face his classmates Kiyomiya (Fighters) and Yasuda (Marines), drawing extra fan attention

Rakuten (2024 Season)

1st team:
- 8 games, 0 wins, 0 losses
- ERA 0.84 in 10.2 innings
- 11 hits allowed, 8 walks/HBP, 9 strikeouts, 1 earned run
2nd team:
- 36 games, ERA 3.38
Salary jumped from an estimated 12 million yen to 20 million yen (+67%)

Even though his first-team opportunities were limited, the Active Draft clearly led to:

more chances and a higher valuation for Sakurai.

From NPB to CPBL – The Next Chapter

October 5, 2024: Rakuten informed him he would not be retained
Joined the tryout, then participated in the Caribbean Series in early 2025
In January 2025, he passed a tryout with the Tainan TSG Hawks (台鋼ホークス) in the Taiwanese CPBL and signed a contract
On March 17, he announced on his X account: “I’ve signed with the TSG Hawks.”
As of now, he’s playing the season as one of seven foreign pitchers on the Hawks’ staff

Sakurai’s path shows that:

The Active Player Draft can be a springboard not only within NPB, but also to opportunities overseas.

Not Every Case Is a Home Run

For the sake of balance, there are also examples where things didn’t quite work out as hoped:

Rui Okoe (Rakuten → Giants):
Moved in 2023 but hit just .188 in 2024 and struggled to secure a role.
Yuma Imagawa (Nippon-Ham → Rakuten):
Only 18 first-team games over two seasons after the move.
Chiaki Tone (Giants → Hiroshima):
Did contribute, but was ultimately released after the 2024 season.

These cases underline a simple truth:

The Active Player Draft is an opportunity, not a guarantee.

Conclusion – A System That Proves “A New Environment Can Change Everything”

Looking back, there are three “legendary” Active Draft hits that fans keep mentioning:

Seiya Hosokawa (2022)
- From just 5 career HR with DeNA → 30+ HR in two straight years with Chunichi
- A 733% salary increase is almost unheard of in NPB history
Kotaro Ohtake (2022)
- 0 wins with SoftBank → 10 wins and the wins title with Hanshin in his first year
- Star of the 2023 Japan Series
Aito (2023)
- Barely any opportunity with Seibu → .291 AVG and near Gold Glove-level defense with Lotte
- On pace to earn domestic FA rights by 2025

Put simply, the Active Player Draft has become:

Proof that a change of scenery can totally transform a player’s career.

The 2022 class was insanely successful, and the 2023–24 group has already produced hits like Aito, Mizutani, and Nomura.

So the only question left for today, December 9, 2025, is:

Who will become “the next Hosokawa” or “the next Ohtake” in the 4th Active Player Draft?

We’ll be glued to the results tonight.
Once the selections are announced, we’ll be back with another breakdown of who moved where and which teams nailed their strategy. ⚾