Relief pitcher Katsuki Matayoshi, who pitched in 66 games this season in professional baseball and Chunichi, submitted to the team a document exercising the rights of FA = free agent only in Japan.
This is the first time a player from an independent league has declared FA.
Matayoshi, a 31-year-old from Urasoe City, Okinawa Prefecture, joined Chunichi in 2014 from the Kagawa Olive Guyners, an independent league and Shikoku Island League plus, in 2nd place in the draft.
With a sharp fastball from the sidearm and a changing ball that moves a little at hand, he pitched in 66 games as a relief this season, with an ERA of 1.28, 3 wins, 2 losses, 8 saves and 33 holds.
In addition, pitcher Matayoshi acquired the FA rights limited to Japan by satisfying the criteria such as the period of 1st army registration this season, and submitted the documents to exercise the rights to the team on the 29th of the first day of the declaration period.
In addition, pitcher Matayoshi said, "Because the hurdle of FA was high, I am happy that I was able to clear it and set a clear goal that I could get FA even from the independent league. I want to hear it. "
From December 9th, Matayoshi will be able to negotiate with each team including Chunichi, and will choose whether to transfer or to remain in Chunichi after making a declaration.