Free Agency Updates
I’ve added some updates to my free agent list. Here is a summary.
International Free Agents
- Hitoki Iwase (RP, Chunichi Dragons): Iwase will decline free agency and remain with Chunichi.
- Tomohiro Nioka (SS, Yomiuri Giants): My gut feeling is that the Giants are done with Nioka. Nippon Ham is interested.
- Hirokazu Ibata (SS, Chunichi Dragons): Staying put.
- Naoyuki Ohmura (CF, Softbank Hawks): Traded to Orix, missed qualifying for free agency by 13 days. Will be a Buffalo next season.
- Atsunori Inaba (OF, Nippon Ham Fighters): As expected, will remain with Nippon Ham.
- Daisuke Miura (SP, Yokohama BayStars): Hanshin is preparing to offer Miura a 4-year/12-oku yen ($12M) contract. Miura says he wants another shot at a title.
NPB-only Free Agents
- Ryota Igarashi (RP, Yakult Swallows): Staying with Yakult for now, with an eventual eye to the majors.
- Hidetaka Kawagoe (RP, Orix Buffaloes): Reportedly ready to move after being offered a pay cut by Orix. (Thanks to reader Jeff B for the tip)