The Orix Buffaloes are gearing up for the 2025 season with high hopes of reclaiming their position atop the Pacific League after a disappointing fifth-place finish last year. Following a remarkable three consecutive league championships from 2021 to 2023, the team faced challenges in 2024, leading to significant changes in coaching staff and player roster. With new head coach Mamoru Kishi at the helm, the Buffaloes are looking to bounce back and aim for their fourth title in five years.
One of the key players to watch this season is pitcher Ryohhei Tsumori. Drafted first overall in 2022, Tsumori had a rocky start to his career, finishing his rookie season in 2023 with just one win and two losses. However, he made significant strides in 2024, pitching 119 innings over 20 games and achieving a record of seven wins against eleven losses, with an impressive ERA of 2.34. Despite a setback due to gastroenteritis during the preseason, Tsumori has recovered and is set to be a vital part of the opening rotation, aiming for his first season with over 100 innings pitched and double-digit wins.
Also making waves is infielder Yui Toda, another first-round draft pick, who is poised for a breakout year. After struggling to secure a regular spot in the lineup during his first few seasons, Toda finally found his footing in 2024, playing 91 games and hitting .288 with six home runs and 40 RBIs. His selection for the Samurai Japan national team in March 2025 has only heightened expectations, and he is determined to leverage his offensive skills to lead the team in 2025.
The Buffaloes’ expected rotation for the season opener features ace Hiroya Miyagi, who is looking to bounce back from a challenging 2024 season. After the departure of star pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto to the Dodgers, Miyagi is eager to reclaim his status as the team's ace. He had a strong showing in the final game of the last season against the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, where he pitched six innings and allowed only one run before the game was called due to rain. Reflecting on the past, Miyagi stated, "That was a disappointing result, so I have a feeling that I want to pitch well this year." He aims to achieve the best ERA title and reach the required innings pitched for the fourth consecutive year.
In the opening series against Rakuten, the Buffaloes will also feature newly acquired pitcher Yua Kuryabashi, who joined the team from Hiroshima via free agency. Kuryabashi, a seasoned veteran with 71 career wins and eight consecutive seasons of pitching over 100 innings, expressed his readiness for the challenge ahead. After a solid performance in an open game against Hanshin, where he allowed two runs over four innings, Kuryabashi remarked, "I want to contribute to the team's victories and show my best pitching." His experience and skills will be crucial as the Buffaloes look to solidify their rotation.
Adding to the excitement, the Orix Buffaloes are launching a unique collaboration with Cross Hotel Osaka, introducing the "Bs ROOM 2025" starting March 28, 2025. This special guest room is designed to immerse fans in the atmosphere of a baseball stadium, featuring the team’s navy blue colors, logos, and player autographs. With decorations that include a ceiling mimicking a stadium dome and artificial turf flooring, the room promises a unique experience for fans. The hotel aims to create an engaging environment that reflects the spirit of the Buffaloes, allowing guests to feel as if they are part of the team.
Moreover, the Buffaloes have enhanced their official electronic trading card service, "Buffaloes Treca," by introducing a new prediction function called "MY HERO". Starting March 28, 2025, fans can predict the performance of players in real-time and earn points based on their selections. This interactive feature not only enhances the fan experience but also fosters a deeper connection between the team and its supporters.
As the season approaches, the Buffaloes are not just focusing on their on-field performance but also on how to engage with their fan base. The introduction of the collaborative hotel room and the interactive trading card service reflects a broader strategy to enhance fan experience and foster loyalty. With a roster filled with talent and a renewed sense of purpose under new management, the Buffaloes are set to make a strong statement in the upcoming season.
The Orix Buffaloes' journey this season will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. With a mix of promising young talent and seasoned veterans, they are poised to challenge for the Pacific League title once again. As they prepare to hit the field, the question remains: can they reclaim their glory and return to the top of Japanese baseball?
