Will Hanshin's No. 4 hitter really move to Yomiuri after leaving behind '4 years-14.6 billion won'?

Nov 13, 2024

Hanshin No. 4 hitter Oyama. He became an FA and even opened up the possibility of transferring to other teams. Oyama rejected Hanshin's offer of a multi-year contract last year ahead of the FA. Photo capture = Hanshin Tigers SNS

Oyama, who joined as a rookie in 2017, has had double-digit homers for seven consecutive years so far this year. In 2020, he hit a personal record of 28 home runs and exceeded 20 home runs for three consecutive years until 2022. Photo capture = Hanshin Tigers SNS

As the fourth batter who hit double-digit home runs for seven consecutive years, he entered the market as an FA (free agent). Even though the original team suggested '4 years-1.6 billion yen (about 14.56 billion won)', he said he would look into the market evaluation. The original team is the most popular Hanshin Tigers, so it stands out more. It is likely that there will be a scramble for first baseman Yusuke Oyama (30), who led the Japanese Series win last year.

Japanese media, including Sports Nippon, reported that Oyama will apply for FA on the 13th after deliberation. If the Japanese Baseball Organization (NPB) makes an FA announcement on the 14th, it can sign contracts with all 12 clubs in both leagues from the 15th. He may stay at Hanshin, but he has left open the possibility of a transfer.

He joined the rookie's first nomination in 2018. Along with the Yomiuri Giants, he played an active role as Hanshin's main hitter representing Japanese professional baseball. Now I'm thinking of challenges at a turning point in baseball life.

Hanshin's 'Enemy'Yomiuri is likely to enter the competition to recruit Oyama. It is notable that Oyama is from Ibaraki Prefecture near Tokyo, where Yomiuri is based. He rejected the club's multi-year contract offer last winter ahead of the FA and signed a one-year contract for 280 million yen (about 2.55 billion won) per year.

There has been no previous case of Hanshin's flagship player transferring to another team. A total of seven players have left for FA in the past, and Yamato was the last in 2017. Yamato, an infielder, played nine years for Hanshin and moved to the Yokohama BayStars. It was hard to imagine before that Hanshin's No. 4 hitter would move to Yomiuri.

Hanshin aims to win next season under the new coach Fujikawa Kyuji 'Legend'. Hanshin, who won the Central League and Japan Series last year, ranked second behind Yomiuri after winning two consecutive games this season.

The fall baseball ended in short, futility. He was eliminated after losing two consecutive games in the third place Yokohama and Climax Series First Stage. If you want to try to win next season, you can't just look at No. 4 Oyama's departure. It is expected to present new contract terms.

Japanese media reported that Hanshin offered 4 years to 1.6 billion yen, but Oyama refused. Oyama contributed to Hanshin's Central League victory with 19 home runs and 78 RBIs last year. Photo capture = Hanshin Tigers SNS

Hanshin recorded a total of 39,693 spectators this season. This year, Yomiuri overtook and ranked first among the 12 teams in both leagues. Photo capture = Hanshin Tigers SNS

Oyama played four times in 143 games last year. He ranked first in on-base percentage with a batting average of 288-19 homers-78 RBIs-OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 0.859. He was named as the best player in each position and received the first baseman's Golden Glove.

The year of extreme 'go-taser' slowed down from the beginning He played in 130 games and had a batting average of 259-14 home runs, 68 RBIs, and an OPS of 0.721. He went down to the second team due to a lack of condition. It was extremely sluggish between March and May and then rebounded from the middle of the season. His performance in the season fell from last year, but he was strong in chances. He had a runner in the scoring position at 354 percent.

Clutch heater with solid defense and long hit power. Oyama hit a personal record of 28 home runs in 2020. It has exceeded 20 home runs for three consecutive years until 2022. He has 137 home runs in his career.

huelva@sportschosun.com