In 2022, the Oryx Buffaloes topped the Pacific League for the second straight year and advanced to the Japan Series for the second straight year. They pulled off a miraculous upset in the Japan Series against the Central League champion Jakarta Swallows. They were tied at 2-2 going into the third game, but then reeled off four straight wins. It was their first Japan Series title in 26 years, since 1996, when Ichiro Suzuki played for them.
The Oryx had two-hit core powerhouses Masataka Yoshida (30) and Yoshinobu Yamamoto (25).
Yoshida, the No. 4 hitter, batted .335 with 138 hits, 21 home runs, and 88 RBIs in 119 games. He had a .447 on-base percentage and a 1.008 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage), ranking first in both categories. Ace Yamamoto went 15-5 with a 1.68 ERA, 205 strikeouts, and a 0.750 winning percentage, good for fourth place.
Last winter, the Orix filled the void left by Yoshida’s departure to the major leagues with a free agent signing. They signed Tomoya Mori, 28, a free agent from the Seibu Lions, to a four-year, 1.8 billion yen contract.
A catcher by trade, Mori was the Pacific League batting champion in 2019, batting .294 with 18 home runs and 64 RBIs in his first year. He lived up to his reputation and helped the team win three straight league titles.
Yoshida last season, Yamamoto this year.
A “super ace” who won four titles in three consecutive years. His price tag is skyrocketing as major league teams battle to sign him. Not only has Yamamoto put up incredible numbers, but he’s also young. He’ll be 26 next year. 카지노사이트킴 He’s entering the major leagues at the peak of his career.
Jake Peavy (41), who won 152 games in the major leagues, said, “If we get Yamamoto, we won’t have to worry about starting pitching for 10 years. We should put everything on the line to get him.” It’s a rave review.
There was talk of a seven-year, $200 million contract, but the price kept going up. It was $220 million, then $250 million. The New York Yankees and Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and the San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays were reportedly in the running.
If Yamamoto signs for $250 million ($32.47 billion), the Orix will receive $39.38 million in posting fees. Last year, Yoshida cost the O’s $15.37 million.
In total, the Ducks will get a whopping $51.75 million over two years from their No. 4 hitter and ace.
Yoshida was the No. 1 pick in the 2016 rookie draft and Yamamoto was the No. 4 pick in 2017. The Orix have gotten the best out of their draft picks by taking good players and developing them into top players.
The Orix acquired infielder Ryoma Nishikawa, 29, who became a free agent last week from the Hiroshima Carp. He signed a five-year contract for a total of 1.5 billion yen. In 109 games this year, he batted 3-for-5 (second) with 127 hits, nine home runs, and 56 RBIs. Yamamoto’s posting fee would have made the Orix a cool bet.
Good players help the team even when they leave.