ORIX CORPORATION is stepping up its investigation of Hiroshima pitcher Tokoda Hiroki (床田 寛樹), who holds free agency rights, and is making strengthening next season's starting rotation its top priority. At the same time, the club plans to reinforce its starting pitching by drafting 4 pitchers ready to contribute immediately.
ORIX CORPORATION is investigating the future of Hiroshima pitcher Tokoda Hiroki (床田 寛樹), who holds domestic free agency rights. Tokoda is a left-handed pitcher with 65 career wins and is viewed as essential to strengthening next season's starting rotation.
Reinforcement of the rotation has become urgent due to the absences of starting pitchers such as Miyagi (宮城) and Yamashita (山下), who pitch with opposite hands, as well as Soya (曽谷)'s Tommy John surgery, all of which affect the pitchers supporting next season's rotation. The status of Espinoza's contract extension also remains uncertain.
In the draft, the club selected 4 pitchers ready to contribute immediately, including Kakuta Futo (角田 楓斗) of Fuji University. Manager Kishida (岸田) said, "We are acquiring them as starters," and the club is also considering acquiring starting pitchers through the active-player draft and other means.
Moves involving players declaring free agency are expected to accelerate after the Japan Series. There are 105 eligible players this season, and their future movements are attracting attention.