Nippon Professional Baseball is set for changes as discussions surrounding pitching dynamics and the traditional rules of the game heat up. Veteran figures from the sport, including former players Masaru Hiramatsu and Takemoto Emoto, along with NPB Commissioner Tadasu Sakakibara, express strong opinions on how to revitalize the game moving forward to the 2025 season.
Reflecting on the recent seasons, Hiramatsu notes, "The fact there was no recipient of the Sawamura Award last season shows the decline of pitching quality." This award, often regarded as the pinnacle of achievement for starting pitchers, highlights concerns about the diminishing performances on the mound. Emoto also emphasizes this point, indicating the challenges facing modern pitchers. He provocatively suggests, "If Bauer throws like crazy and wins 20 games, Japanese baseball will change," alluding to the possibility of record-breaking performance and its impact on the game.
Historically, Japanese baseball has maintained distinct pitching styles and strategies. Nevertheless, as the sport evolves, Emoto argues, "Today’s starting pitchers rarely complete games, and it’s largely due to the high strain of current pitching techniques. If pitchers only go 5-6 innings before being replaced, we won't see outstanding talent emerge." He reminisces about the era when pitchers routinely went the distance, drawing comparisons to today's game.
The focus on stamina and performance has significantly shifted over the years. Emoto reminds fans of the old days, noting how pitchers of the past could thrive with lower velocity. He recounted, "When I pitched, it was considered fast if I reached 140 km/h. Now, you have pitchers reaching above 150 km/h, and this pressure has led to more injuries. The demands have increased, and with it, the need for pitchers to handle the rigorous expectations. No wonder they're pulled after 100 pitches!" This reflects not only the physical evolution of pitching but also the psychological toll it takes on these athletes.
Alongside the pitching dialogue, Commissioner Sakakibara is advocating for the integration of the designated hitter rule (DH) throughout NPB, responding to the traditional differences between the Central League and the Pacific League. He stated firmly, "It's not normal for the Central and Pacific Leagues to have different rules." His belief is grounded in creating more entertaining games ripe with action. "The idea of designated hitter can lead to more exciting hitting matches," he added during his remarks at the start of the year.
Since the Pacific League adopted the DH back in 1975, the disparity between the two leagues has created considerable debate. By acknowledging this divide, Sakakibara has pushed for the Central League teams to reconsider their stance, especially following the shift to uniform DH rules across Major League Baseball, where both leagues have adopted them starting from 2022.
Sakakibara's advocacy aligns with the prevailing trends seen across baseball globally, including North America and broader Asian leagues, where the flexibility of the designated hitter has been met with favorable responses. He noted, "Pro baseball thrives on furious competition, and both leagues should reflect the excitement of modern baseball. Adapt or risk losing fan engagement and investment."
The direct impacts of these discussions will likely be felt deeply by teams as they prepare for the 2025 season. While some managers remain opposed to the DH—citing concerns about traditional aspects of the game—many, including former opponents like the recently departed Takumi Okada of the Hanshin Tigers, may find it increasingly challenging to ignore the evolution of the sport. Commentators are already predicting shifts within draft strategies, altering which types of players teams will prioritize, especially considering the influx of talent from both the high school and collegiate ranks.
With so many variables at play, the future of Nippon Professional Baseball not only hangs on the performance of pitchers but also on its willingness to adapt to modern demands. Something as simple as the adoption of the designated hitter could overturn traditional expectations and lead to exciting, new storylines on the diamond come the 2025 season.