Chiba Lotte Marines' Akira Yagi selected for the Sompo Japan HIKESHI Award

The "Sompo Japan HIKESHI Award" has been announced, and pitcher Akira Yagi of the Chiba Lotte Marines was selected from the Pacific League with 62 HIKESHI points.

This award recognizes relief pitchers who showed outstanding performance during the regular season. Selection is based on an objective index (with cooperation from Data Stadium Inc.) devised by Nippon Professional baseball and Sompo Japan, which quantifies the runner situation at the time of appearance, the degree of contribution to preventing runs by overcoming critical situations, and "how well the team's crisis was stopped." The awards ceremony will be held on November 19, and pitcher Akira Yagi will be presented with a prize of 1 million yen and a trophy.

▼Comment from pitcher Akira Yagi▼
"I am honored to be selected for the newly established 'Sompo Japan HIKESHI Award.' This season, I had many appearances in situations where we were behind, in tough spots with runner on, or in bases loaded crises, but I continued to take the mound with a strong spirit. There were games where I escaped a pinch with just a few pitches, and there were times when the lineup turned the game around after I pitched, so I was helped by the team's great momentum and was able to record my first professional win. I am extremely happy to have my work as a reliever evaluated in a visible form like 'HIKESHI points.' I will continue to do my best for the win of The Marines next season as well."

Tohoku Rakuten Eagles to dispatch Yoshinao Kamada to the Nihonkai League's Kanazawa Dragon Cross

Tohoku Rakuten Eagles announced that they will dispatch former pitching coordinator Yoshinao Kamada to the Kanazawa Dragon Cross, which will join the Nihonkai League starting from the 2027 season. The dispatch period is scheduled for three years beginning with the 2027 season.

Chiba Lotte Marines: Atsuki Tomosugi and Kyuto Ueda to join Australian Winter League

Chiba Lotte Marines will dispatch players Atsuki Tomosugi and Kyuto Ueda to the Australian Winter League (belonging to the Adelaide Giants). The schedule is from November 8th to December 21st, but it is subject to change.

▼Atsuki Tomosugi Comment▼
"I want to work on growing in all aspects for the next season."

▼Kyuto Ueda Comment▼
"Since I was given the chance to have a valuable experience, I want to seek improvement not only in my baseball skills but also as a person by being able to perform in an unfamiliar environment."

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