On November 23, 2023, the Yokohama DeNA BayStars announced the completion of a trade involving their left-handed pitcher Harukazu Hamaguchi and Daiki MiMori, an infielder for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. This significant player exchange sees two talents change jerseys with hopes of rejuvenation and enhanced team dynamics.
Daiki MiMori, 25, expressed his initial feelings of confusion upon receiving news of the trade but quickly shifted his mindset to view it as an opportunity. Through the SoftBank team website, he remarked, “When I received the notification, I was honestly bewildered, but I think of this as a chance and decided to take it as motivation to work hard again.” MiMori joined SoftBank as the fourth overall pick in the 2016 draft and had notable success in the past seasons. He appeared in 102 games last year, boasting a batting average of .257 with 101 hits and 20 stolen bases.
Despite not achieving the same playing time this season due to injuries, MiMori has remained positive and focused on the growth he experienced during his previous seasons. He continued, “I played for such a strong team as the Hawks, which is only positive for me. I hope to utilize the experience I gained two years ago when we narrowly missed out on the championship.” MiMori emphasized his gratitude by adding, “I’d be delighted if I could receive applause and encouragement when games are held in Fukuoka. Thank you for the passionate support over the past eight years.”
On the other end, Harukazu Hamaguchi brings valuable experience to SoftBank, having been the first-round pick from Kanagawa University during the 2016 draft. At 29 years old, he made his mark by achieving double-digit victories his rookie season. Having played 135 games, he has accumulated 44 wins against 46 losses, maintaining a career ERA of 3.76. His performance, especially during high-stakes games like the 2017 Japan Series against SoftBank, has left lasting impressions on both players and fans.
SoftBank's General Manager, Sugihiko Mikasa, provided insights on the motivations behind this exchange. “MiMori performed well as a regular player two years ago, but he hasn’t had consistent playing time recently,” he noted, referring to MiMori’s diminished presence due to injury this season.
Meanwhile, Hamaguchi has been performing as a relief pitcher during the current winter league games taking place in Mexico. He recently endured a minor injury but has since recovered and is showing promise as he settles back. Mikasa mentioned, “We decided to engage with DeNA, recognizing Hamaguchi as a valuable left-handed pitcher who can either perform as a long reliever or take on starting responsibilities.”
Looking back at Hamaguchi's formidable performance in the 2017 Japan Series, when he nearly achieved a no-hitter against the Hawks, he acknowledged the longstanding competition between the teams. “Yes, there are haunting memories from 2017. The pressure of postseason games is something you never forget, and they have continued to challenge me over the years,” he explained.
Hamaguchi acknowledges the atmosphere and expectations within his new team, hoping to adjust his pitching style accordingly. He shared his thoughts on the trade, stating, “I was surprised, but I had prepared mentally for the possibility of being traded during the last few years. I have immense gratitude for my eight years with the BayStars, which I cannot fully summarize. My years here provided invaluable experiences.” He conveyed admiration for his former teammates, expressing, “I sincerely wish for their success next season for the league title.”
Both teams have voiced their aspirations through this trade. DeNA desires to bolster their roster depth, particularly among their hitters, whereas the Hawks are focused on strengthening their pitching capabilities with Hamaguchi’s addition. The exchange not only reflects strategic moves to meet immediate needs but also embodies the dynamic and competitive essence of Japanese professional baseball.
The trading of MiMori and Hamaguchi sets the stage for what could be pivotal changes for both franchises heading forward, as they gear up for what promises to be another exciting season of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).
