Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks release four players including Ryusei Oe

The Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks have announced that they will not renew contracts for four players for the upcoming season.

Among those released is pitcher Ryusei Oe, a former Yomiuri Giants player who joined SoftBank via a trade in May 2025. Although he maintained a 0.00 ERA in his three first-team appearances this season, he is reportedly considering participating in tryouts to continue his professional career.

Also released are three development players: pitcher Yoshinobu Hasegawa, pitcher Hammond (Reiri Hammond Tanaka), and infielder Shuji Kuwabara. Hasegawa, who contributed to the team's league championship in 2024, has struggled with injuries, including Tommy John surgery and lumbar disc herniation surgery, resulting in no first-team appearances this season. Hasegawa also intends to seek continued play.