Hanshin Tigers' Koji Chikamoto will remain with the team without exercising his free agency rights. What impact will this have on other teams' free agency pursuits?

阪神タイガース・近本光司がフリーエージェント（FA）権を行使せずに残留を決断した。この決断は、今オフのFA市場、特に外野手補強を狙う他球団の戦略に大きな影響を与えることは間違いないだろう。

In the 2024 season, Chikamoto posted a batting average of.279 with 160 hits and 32 stolen bases, earning him his sixth stolen base title, tying for second all-time in NPB history, making him a rare talent in the league. Furthermore, he has received the Golden Glove Award for five consecutive years (year 2021-2025) and the Best Nine award for four consecutive years (year 2021-2024), and he also secured the most hits title in 2021, demonstrating his top-tier performance across hitting, baserunning, and defense. The fact that such a well-rounded center fielder was not available on the free agent market has been a significant blow to teams looking to strengthen their outfield.

他球団の外野手FA動向最新状況まとめ

FA権を行使した主要な外野手や、その動向は以下の通りだ。

①東北楽天ゴールデンイーグルス・辰己涼介選手

（時事通信）

楽天・辰己涼介選手は、国内FA権の行使を表明した。

辰己 has been awarded the Golden Glove Award for four consecutive years from 2021 (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024), establishing a reputation as a player with excellent defensive skills as a center fielder. He is considered one of the top prospects for teams seeking an immediate impact center fielder. In the 2024 season, he also won the batting title and was named to the Best Nine, demonstrating his considerable offensive prowess. As an outfielder who combines both defensive and offensive capabilities, he will undoubtedly be a significant asset.

One concern is that Tatsumi has strong aspirations for major league baseball and is eager to challenge the majors through the posting system. Given that the Rakuten Eagles did not permit him to be posted and he instead exercised his domestic free agency rights, some teams might refrain from approaching him, considering the risk of his future departure from the club.

②北海道日本ハムファイターズ・松本剛選手

時事通信

2022年に打率.347を記録し首位打者を獲得した日本ハム・松本剛も、国内FA権の行使を表明している。

On November 27th, the Yomiuri Giants announced they had reached an agreement with Matsumoto. At his introductory press conference, Matsumoto stated, "I want to retrain myself and try again," and revealed that he had also received direct words of encouragement from Manager Abe. The number 9 jersey was previously worn by Yoshiyuki Kamei, who is currently a hitting coach for The Giants. This number indicates the team's expectations.

2022年をピークに打率が下がっていることは懸念点だが、リーグを跨いだ移籍を機にもう一花咲かせることに期待したい。

③横浜DeNAベイスターズ・桑原将志選手

時事通信

横浜・桑原将志も海外FA権を行使した。

This outfielder, an average hitter who recorded a batting average of.310 in 2021, has a proven track record of performing as the DeNA center fielder for a considerable period. His durability, marked by five consecutive seasons with over 100 games played, is another appealing aspect. Kuwahara stated through the team, "After careful consideration, I've decided to exercise my rights with the desire to live my baseball career without regrets."

11月25日、西武は桑原と入団で基本合意したと発表した。新人の渡辺聖、GG賞を初受賞した西川ら若手が台頭する西武で、どこまで出場機会が得られるのか注目だ。

近本残留がFA市場にもたらした波紋

Chikamoto possessed the most significant track record among the free agents this offseason, drawing attention from various teams regarding his future. With this premier center fielder not entering the market, clubs particularly seeking outfielders with strong defensive capabilities who could contribute immediately find their options significantly narrowed.

To avoid intensifying the competition for domestic free-agent outfielders, some clubs may shift their focus for reinforcement to domestic trades or acquiring foreign outfielders from Major League Baseball or its minor leagues. For teams, particularly those with an urgent need to strengthen their center field position, the overseas free-agent market will present a more viable option.

近本の残留は、阪神タイガースにとっては朗報である一方、他の球団は補強戦略の抜本的な見直しを迫られることとなった。今オフのストーブリーグ、とくに外野手の動向にはこれからも目が離せない。