[Orix] Taisuke Yamaoka will not exercise his domestic free agent rights and will remain with the team. An official announcement will be made soon. Sho Iwasaki, who has acquired overseas free agent rights, will also remain with the team.
Sports Hochi
2025.10.31(金) 04:00
Orix On the 30th, we learned that Taisuke Yamaoka pitcher (30) has decided to remain in Japan without exercising his domestic FA rights, which he acquired in May. He is expected to make a formal announcement in the near future.
He joined the team as the first pick in the 2016 draft from Tokyo Gas. As a popular home-grown player, he has experienced both slumps and golden ages. The team saw him as an important asset to help them regain their first championship in three years, and they fully appreciated not only the terms but also his enthusiasm. Next season will mark a milestone 10th year as a professional. Yamaoka himself has also decided on a new path to follow.
This season, he will be a full-time relief pitcher, and was promoted for the first time on May 5th. His 41 appearances and 13 hold were both third on the team. He met with manager Kishida during fall practice. After exchanging opinions, it was decided that he would return to the starting lineup. In 2019, he won the title for the highest winning percentage with 13 wins and 4 losses. He will hone his 150 km/h fastball and signature slider, and compete again in his familiar position.
Orix In addition to his attachment to the team, the presence of manager Kishida, who knew him during his playing days, was also a major factor in his decision. Sho Iwasaki pitcher (36), who joined the team in a trade from Chunichi in May and acquired overseas FA rights in July, will also remain with the team.
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AloJapan.com