Hiroshima Carp Manager Takahiro Arai Tells Tokoda, Morishita and Sakakura to Make Decisions They Won’t Regret as FA Decisions Loom

Hiroshima Carp manager Takahiro Arai, 49, revealed on October 19 that he had personally shared his thoughts with pitchers Hiroki Tokoda, 31, and Masato Morishita, 29, as well as catcher Shogo Sakakura, 28. All three became eligible to exercise domestic free agency rights for the first time this season.

Arai declined to disclose the details of their conversations but offered the players a clear message.

“I want them to make a decision they won't regret.”

The futures of the three players could have a major impact on how Hiroshima builds its roster for next season and beyond, putting their decisions firmly in the spotlight.

Three key players at the heart of the Carp

All three are central figures in the Hiroshima lineup and pitching staff. Tokoda was the Carp's Opening Day starter this season, while Morishita held that role last year. Sakakura, meanwhile, batted cleanup in 121 games this season.

The club's desire to retain them is clear. However, Arai stressed that their careers and personal choices must come first.

“Free agency is a right they earned through their hard work. It's their baseball careers, and I want them to make decisions they won't regret. With that in mind, I've also communicated my own feelings to them,” Arai said.

Morishita and Sakakura visited Mazda Stadium on October 19 for voluntary workouts. Sakakura worked on improving his skills, including his batting, and confirmed that he had received messages of support from the manager and his teammates.

“The manager and the players have told me how they feel,” Sakakura said. He did not comment on the status of negotiations with the club.

Hiroshima making every effort to retain the trio

The Carp are also working hard to persuade all three players to stay. Club executive Kiyoaki Suzuki held talks with Sakakura on October 14 and Morishita on October 15. Tokoda's agent has also been in contact with the club, and discussions over specific contract terms are expected to follow.

Suzuki has made the club's position clear, saying that Hiroshima wants the players to remain.

Even if they formally exercise their free agency rights, they can still choose to re-sign with the Carp under the same arrangement available to them before declaring free agency.

For now, all three are carefully considering their options. Players can formally declare free agency beginning the day after the Japan Series concludes, and the declaration period is approaching.

Other teams monitoring the situation

The Yomiuri Giants and Hanshin Tigers are reportedly investigating the possibility of acquiring Tokoda should he exercise his free agency rights.

Tokoda finished this season with eight wins, six losses and a 2.76 ERA in 23 starts. He has reached the qualifying innings threshold for four consecutive seasons, and his track record and experience are considered valuable assets.

The Giants are reportedly preparing a major offer worth more than ¥1.6 billion over four years, including performance bonuses.

Sakakura hit .251 this season but recorded a career-high 74 RBIs. If he declares free agency, the Chiba Lotte Marines are reportedly looking into a potential acquisition.

Morishita, who finished the season with seven wins, 11 losses and a 3.60 ERA, is also believed to be attracting attention from other clubs in Japan.

Arai puts the players’ careers first

Arai acknowledged the difficulty of the decision facing the three players.

“I'm sure they'll have a lot to think about, but I want them to make a decision they won't regret when it comes to their baseball careers,” he said.

As Hiroshima works to reshape its roster, the importance of Tokoda, Morishita and Sakakura to the team remains unchanged. The Carp are already beginning preparations to strengthen the squad for next season, while waiting for each player to decide his future.