Takahiro Norimoto, a veteran Japanese pitcher, has decided to stay in his home country and join the Yomiuri Giants, according to a recent report. The 35-year-old had been a highly sought-after free agent, with rumors of a potential Major League Baseball (MLB) offer swirling. However, Norimoto has chosen to continue his career in Japan, signing a multi-year contract with the Giants.
Norimoto's decision is a surprising one, given his impressive career in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league. He has been a stalwart for the Rakuten Golden Eagles, spending 13 years with the team. Initially a starting pitcher, he transitioned to the bullpen and has been a dominant closer in recent seasons. In 2025, he posted an impressive 3.02 ERA, with 16 saves, four holds, and only two blown opportunities. His strikeout rate has been consistently high, with nearly 24% of opponents fanned over his career.
However, there have been concerns about his performance in recent years. His strikeout rate dropped to 17.2% in 2025, and his fastball velocity decreased to around 92 mph, down from his peak velocity of 94-95 mph. This decline in performance might have influenced his decision to stay in Japan, where he can continue to contribute as a reliable closer.
The report does not specify which MLB club had made an offer to Norimoto, nor the terms of the potential contract. It remains a mystery whether the offer was guaranteed. Nonetheless, Norimoto's decision to stay in Japan is a significant one, as he will pitch at least two more seasons out of the Giants' bullpen. While a move to MLB remains a possibility, it would require a significant improvement in his performance, especially with his declining velocity.
In his NPB career, Norimoto has accumulated an impressive 3.12 ERA in 1838 innings. He has a 120-99 record, 48 saves, and a 23.7% strikeout rate. From 2014 to 2018, he led the league in strikeouts for five consecutive seasons, showcasing his exceptional talent. Despite his decision to stay in Japan, Norimoto's legacy in the NPB league is undeniable.
