Sports · Baseball · 22 hrs ago
Hanshin outfielder Hiroshi Toyoda left out of plans for next season
The Hanshin Tigers have left Hiroshi Toyoda out of their plans for next season.
Toyoda is a 29-year-old outfielder who joined the Japanese team as a sixth-round draft pick in 2021.
He played in four first-team games this season, making four plate appearances, all as a pinch hitter.
A right wrist fracture and ligament injury during spring training kept him out for a long period.
He played well in the farm team, but struggled to make an impact in his limited first-team chances.
Toyoda hopes to continue his playing career, and the club is expected to formally notify him soon.
His next step will depend on whether he can find another opportunity to play.
Hanshin outfielder Hiroshi Toyoda has been left out of the club’s plans for next season.
The 29-year-old was told the decision is expected to be communicated by the team soon.
Toyoda appeared in four first-team games this season and had four plate appearances, all as a pinch hitter.
He wants to continue playing, according to Daily Sports.
A wrist fracture and ligament injury sustained during spring training disrupted his season.
- Who
- Hanshin outfielder Hiroshi Toyoda, 29.
- What
- He has been left out of the team’s plans for next season. He hopes to continue playing.
- When
- The decision was reported on October 18, 2026; the club was expected to inform him soon.
- Where
- Hanshin, in Japan’s professional baseball league.
- Why
- Not stated. Toyoda played only four first-team games this season after suffering a wrist fracture and ligament injury during spring training.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Hanshin selected Toyoda in the sixth round.
Manager Kyuji Fujikawa selected Toyoda as the camp MVP.
Toyoda suffered a wrist fracture and ligament injury after being hit by a pitch.
Toyoda made his final plate appearance of the season, against Hiroshima.
Reports said Toyoda was out of Hanshin’s plans for next season and that he wished to keep playing.
- Age
- 29
- Team
- Hanshin
- Draft
- Sixth round, 2021
- First-team appearances this season
- 4 games; 4 plate appearances
- Injury
- Right wrist fracture and ligament damage
- Last plate appearance
- September 19, 2026, against Hiroshima