NPB publishes FA-qualified players list
NPB published the 2026 free-agent (FA) qualified players list on October 19. Including 21 newly eligible for domestic FA and 17 newly eligible for overseas FA this season, the roster totals 104 players when combined with those who already held FA status. Club activity around those players will be watched closely.
Source: 日本野球機構（NPB.jp）
Kudo to skip draft meeting; outlines autumn-camp plans
Newly appointed Chunichi manager Kudo met with coaches in Nagoya on October 19 and said he will unveil his No. 81 uniform at the upcoming autumn camp and tailor practice to players’ needs. He also announced he will not attend the draft meeting, urging trust in the scouts’ judgment to select the best prospects.
Source: 日刊スポーツ
Nippon-Ham tells three players they won’t be re-signed
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham announced on October 19 that it informed three players—Yuki Umebayashi, Ryosuke Amase and Koki Matsuoka—that it will not offer contracts for next season. Umebayashi said he will consider overseas opportunities if no NPB offers arrive, while Amase expressed a desire to continue his playing career.
Source: 日刊スポーツ
Hanshin won’t renew contracts for two players
Hanshin announced on October 19 that it has informed Hiroshi Toyoda and Kairi Shimada that it will not offer them contracts for next season. Both players paid farewell visits, expressed gratitude to the club, and said they will consider their future options, including continuing to play professionally.
Source: 日刊スポーツ
Kokubo expresses confidence in bullpen; limits to three straight outings
SoftBank manager Hiroki Kokubo said on October 19 that he trusts his bullpen ahead of the Japan Series and will limit relievers to a maximum of three consecutive appearances. He emphasized short, effective relief stints and confirmed the team’s role assignments as part of series preparations.
Source: 日刊スポーツ
Taguchi opts to pursue opportunities abroad
Reports on October 19 say that Reito Taguchi, who was released by Yakult, has decided to pursue a playing opportunity overseas. The coverage quotes him expressing a desire to test himself in an unforgiving environment and outlines his current training status and plans going forward.
Source: 日刊スポーツ