Oisix Niigata Albirex BC announced a significant roster shakeup, confirming that 12 players will retire or leave the club following the conclusion of the season, niigata-albirex-bc.jp reported.
Veteran Departures Led by Yuki Kuniyoshi and Naoya Ishikawa
The announcement is highlighted by the retirement of veteran pitchers Yuki Kuniyoshi and Naoya Ishikawa. Kuniyoshi, who pitched 17 professional seasons after starting as a developmental player with the Yokohama BayStars in 2009, decided to hang up his spikes following stints with the Chiba Lotte Marines, Mexican League side Saraperos de Saltillo, and Niigata. In his retirement statement, Kuniyoshi noted that lingering injuries and conditioning issues diminished his performance, leading him to realize that his physical state no longer matched his competitive drive.
Ishikawa departs after a 12-year professional career, which included 11 seasons with the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters before joining Oisix Niigata Albirex BC for one year. Both pitchers expressed deep gratitude to the club’s supporters for sticking with them through a demanding farm league campaign.
Independent League Stalwarts Riku Nishimura and Hayato Suzuki Conclude Four-Year Runs
Pitchers Riku Nishimura and Hayato Suzuki are both stepping away after four seasons with the Niigata franchise. Suzuki reflected on the transition from the independent Baseball Challenge League (BC League) to the newly expanded NPB farm-league system, noting the unique challenges and growth he experienced over four years. Nishimura similarly thanked fans for their unwavering backing since his arrival in the independent ranks.
Roster Departures Targeting Future NPB Opportunities
Alongside the retirements, several players are leaving the club to pursue active playing careers elsewhere, with several explicitly eyeing NPB opportunities. Kenji Pallares, an American-born pitcher who spent the season in the Japanese farm league, expressed appreciation for his time playing alongside teammates like Kazuhara and Yatoguni while bidding farewell to the club's supporters.
Yamada explicitly stated his intention to continue pursuing an NPB roster spot with another organization. Infielders and outfielders including Shunga Takahashi, Daniel Frey, Tenyu Higa, and Leo Asai round out the list of departures, each thanking the Niigata faithful for their support during the rigorous campaign.
