Yoshihisa Hirano to become Orix Buffaloes farm team manager

Yoshihisa Hirano, the veteran pitcher who retired at the end of this season, is expected to become the manager of the Orix Buffaloes' farm team next season. Hirano, who accumulated 258 saves and 205 holds across a 21-year professional career in Japan and the United States, expressed his desire to give back to the younger players who supported him during his career.

In his new role, Hirano will work alongside first-team manager Mamoru Kishida. The two players were teammates in the 2005 draft and have maintained a close relationship since their playing days. The move is seen as a strategic step for Orix to strengthen its developmental pipeline and cultivate next-generation talent following a season where the first team finished in fourth place.