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NPB professional baseball player releases

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2026-10-25 13:37 UTC → 2026-10-26 04:28 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Several Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) clubs have announced roster changes involving the non-renewal of player contracts. On October 18, the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters released pitcher Koki Matsuoka, catcher Yuki Umebayashi, and infielder Ryosuke Akase. Matsuoka had previously struggled with a 20.25 ERA in recent appearances, while Akase had not seen first-team action during his three years with the club. On October 24, the Hiroshima Toyo Carp announced they would not renew the contracts of several players for the 2027 season. The list includes pitchers Makoto Kemuna, Ginji Hasebe, Tatsuya Matsumoto, Haruki Hidaka, and Taiga Tsuji, and outfielder Takahiro Nakamura. Among those departing is Haruki Hidaka, who failed to make a first-team appearance since joining in 2024. Makoto Kemuna, a right-hander who served as a bullpen mainstay from 2020 to 2022, has not appeared in a first-team game for two seasons following elbow surgery; he has expressed a desire to continue his career with another NPB club. Taiga Tsuji, a left-hander who underwent Tommy John surgery in August, will be offered a developmental contract to remain with the organization. Additionally, the Chiba Lotte Marines announced they will not renew the contracts of pitchers Ryotaro Mori and Hibiki Hayasaka, though the club intends to offer both players developmental contracts. On the same day, the Yomiuri Giants notified infielder Dai Yuasa that his contract would not be renewed and placed six players on free agency, including 2022 first-round draft pick Shogo Asano. Asano, who is currently rehabilitating from right knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus, is expected to be offered a developmental contract. Further roster changes were announced by the Chunichi Dragons, who notified catcher Shingo Usami and outfielder Seiji Kawagoe that their contracts would not be renewed. The Chiba Lotte Marines also announced that outfielder Manito will not return next season.

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