#Professional Baseball #Home Run Early in the new year, Nippon Ham won the Japan-U.S. competition and succeeded in making major reinforcements. It was announced on the 6th that the team will acquire outfielder Franmil Reyes (28), who has a total of 108 home runs in the major leagues, as a new foreigner. It will be announced soon. The team’s long-awaited long-range gun won the home run title in the Dominican Republic’s winter league, which it participated in this winter. With the addition of new assistants to address the team’s lack of long-hitting ability, a strong backup system has been established for manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo (51), who is in his third year in office. Nippon-Ham has turned around a “big name” whose departure was attracting attention both in Japan and the United States. It was revealed that a contract agreement has been reached with Reyes, a giant cannon who stands 196 cm tall and weighs 120 kg, and has a total of 108 home runs in the major leagues. In the Dominican Republic’s winter league, which he participated in this winter, he played in 41 games during the regular season, hitting 9 home runs and 34 RBIs. He showed his dignity as a power hitter. He played poorly with the Royals last season, hitting only two home runs in 19 games, and was released as a free agent in May. However, with his performance in his home country showing his comeback, Reyes’ stock is rising once again. Domestically, Softbank, DeNA, and several major baseball teams, including the Guardians and Twins, are said to be interested. The team that won the Japan-U.S. competition was Nippon-Ham, which has been aggressively recruiting players, including acquiring Yamazaki, who declared free agency from Orix. This makes him the fifth new foreign player in this off-season (four under control). He is the third position player, following Martinez, who has been with the team since last season as a catcher and plays first base, and Stevenson, a new helper and quick outfielder. Reyes primarily played as DH in the Winter League. Since Shinjo is a defense-oriented coach, it is expected that he will be the top candidate for the DH slot, which was not fixed until last season. If that happens, the competition for regular spots in the outfield will likely become even more intense, with Tsuyoshi Matsumoto, the 22-year leading hitter, Manami, who hit 25 home runs last season, Nomura, who also protects the left wing, and Isohata, whose quick feet are his weapon. There are also high hopes that the acquisition of the long-awaited long-range gun will improve the team’s quality. Last season, the team tied for 4th in the league with 100 home runs. The numbers were the same as in the 2022 season, and even though they moved their home base to Escon Field, which was smaller than the spacious Sapporo Dome, it did not solve the problem of long hitting power. The addition of Reyes, who has a proven track record, will provide a great stimulus to existing players such as Kiyomiya, Manami, and Nomura, making it a big reinforcement early in the new year. ◆Franmil Reyes Born on July 7, 1995 in the Dominican Republic. Joined the Padres in 2011. He was promoted to the majors in 2018. In the middle of 2019, he was transferred to the Indians in a triangle trade with Bauer (former DeNA) Puig and others. He hit a career-high 37 home runs with two teams. He was traded to the Cubs in August 2022. He moved from the Royals to the Nationals in 2023 and became a free agent. He had a batting average of .186, 2 home runs, and 7 RBIs last season. He has a batting average of .249, 108 home runs, and 285 RBIs in 548 games in the majors. He is 196 cm and 120 kg. Right-handed pitcher and right-handed hitter.
JP2021.COM