It was revealed on the 9th that the Orix Buffaloes have begun an investigation into 32-year-old pitcher Shintaro Fujinami, who was released by DeNA. Aiming to strengthen their starting rotation, which is considered a priority, the team is focusing on his experience, track record, and his ability to throw fastballs exceeding 160 kilometers per hour. They plan to continue monitoring the situation leading up to the start of negotiations after the tryouts held in November. If the acquisition is realized, the 'Osaka Toin Battery' with catcher Tomoya Mori (31) would be reunited. There is no doubt this would attract significant attention.

The Orix Buffaloes were firmly looking ahead to next season. After sinking to fourth place and finishing in the B-class for the first time in two years, they scrutinized their performance throughout the entire season. Strengthening the starting rotation was identified as the top priority. They listed potential pitchers who could be candidates, regardless of whether they were domestic or international. One of the central figures on that list was Fujinami.

Although he was limited to only three first-team appearances for DeNA this season, his fastball exceeding 160 km/h shows no signs of decline. The fact that he has had no major injury layoffs throughout his career is also an attractive point. He has recorded a total of 58 wins in NPB and has appeared in 64 games in the Major Leagues. He is rich in both achievements and experience. At the end of September, when it became clear he was not part of the plans for next season, Fujinami expressed his hopes for the future, saying, 'I think I was able to regain my signature pitch toward the end of the season. I hope to be allowed to play in NPB.' Immediately after, the Orix Buffaloes began tracking his movements behind the scenes.

Aces Miyagi and Yamashita are currently sidelined for an extended period following surgeries on their left and right elbows, respectively. A return during the second half of next season is the realistic expectation. Soya also left the team late in the season due to discomfort in his left elbow, and other clubs are showing interest in Espinoza, who won his first most-wins title with 13 victories. There is an undeniable shortage of starting pitchers. It appears the team will intensify its scouting efforts ahead of the opening of negotiations following the tryouts in November.

Fujinami, a native of Osaka, achieved the feat of winning consecutive spring and summer championships at Koshien during his third year at Osaka Toin. His battery partner was Tomoya Mori, who was one grade below him. Since turning professional, they have deepened their relationship through activities such as jointly hosting baseball clinics. Mori, who has completed his fourth year since joining the Seibu Lions via free agency, underwent surgery on his left wrist in August and is in a position to aim for a full comeback as a catcher. If the acquisition is realized, it would be Fujinami's first time in the Pacific League, and expectations are growing for the reunion of the 'Golden Battery' at Kyocera Dome.

Manager Kishida, entering his third year in office, vowed to win the championship for the first time in four years, stating, "We really cannot continue like this. Naturally, that is what we are aiming for." During his time with the Hanshin Tigers, he achieved double-digit wins for three consecutive years starting from his first professional year in 2013, and earned the title for most strike outs in 2015. In 2017, he also experienced the grand stage of the WBC as a representative of Japan. Although he has struggled in recent years due to issues such as poor control, his explosive power remains unrivaled. He will continue to make as much preparation as possible to be ready for the time to come.

Shintaro Fujinami. Born April 12, 1994, in Osaka Prefecture. 32 years old. In his third year at Osaka Toin High School, he formed a battery with Tomoya Mori (currently with the Orix Buffaloes), who was one year his junior, and won consecutive spring and summer championships at Koshien. He joined the Hanshin Tigers as the first-round draft pick in 2012. He led the league in strike outs in 2015. He represented Japan in the 2017 WBC. After the 2022 season, he moved to the US Athletics via the posting system. After playing for the Orioles and other teams, he joined DeNA in July 2025. His NPB career totals are 198 appearances, 58 wins, 55 losses, 11 holds, and a 3.46 ERA. His MLB career totals are 64 appearances, 7 wins, 8 losses, and a 7.18 ERA. 197 cm, 98 kg. Right-handed pitcher and batter. His salary for this season is estimated at 80 million yen.

The battery of Fujinami and Moritomo at Koshien: In the spring of 2012 during their time at Osaka Toin, Fujinami started four games and made one relief appearance. Forming a battery with Moritomo in all of them, he earned five wins and achieved a national championship. In the summer, Fujinami pitched through four games on his own, excluding the third-round match against Kaiseiko where Keisuke Sawada (now with Lotte) pitched a two-runs complete game. He secured shutout victories in the semifinals against Meitoku Gijuku and the finals against Kosei Gakuin. Mori played the full duration of every game as the leadoff hitter and catcher, supporting the ace.

Main starting rotation results for the Orix Buffaloes

Espinoza 23 games 13 wins 6 losses 2.71 ERA

Kuri 27 games 9 wins 12 losses ERA 3.19

Takashima: 23 games (20 starts), 7 wins, 6 losses, 4.98 ERA

Soya 14 games 5 wins 8 losses ERA 4.14

Jerry 21 games 3 wins 10 losses ERA 3.38

Tajima 18 games (12 starts) 2 wins 5 losses ERA 5.89