Franmil Reyes signs record $40 million contract with Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters

Franmil Reyes has signed a historic four-year contract extension with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, worth up to $40 million. The deal, covering the 2027 to 2030 seasons, makes Reyes the highest-paid player in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) history.

The 31-year-old Dominican slugger has revitalized his career in Japan after his MLB tenure appeared to be winding down following the 2023 season. During his three seasons with the Fighters, Reyes recorded 89 home runs and a .294/.357/.549 slash line. In the 2026 season, he secured the Pacific League batting title with a .313 average.

Industry analysts suggest this massive investment could signal a shift in how international players view the NPB, potentially serving as a lucrative alternative for major league free agents facing uncertainty in the United States.