The Orix Buffaloes announced that reliever Yoshihisa Hirano, who previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB), will officially retire after the 2026 season ends. The decision comes after Hirano spent 21 years playing professionally in both Japan and the United States.
Hirano, 42, began his career with the Orix Buffaloes in 2005 and quickly became one of the most reliable closers in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He made a strong impression with his precise pitching and composure under high-pressure situations.
In 2018, Hirano moved to the Arizona Diamondbacks in MLB, where he continued to perform steadily as a closer before returning to Japan to play for Orix in 2021. Throughout his career, he appeared in many key games and was a cornerstone of his team's bullpen.
In this final season, Hirano still plays a significant role in the Orix Buffaloes lineup, as the team competes for the top spot in the Pacific League. The club said it will hold tribute activities for him before the season officially ends.
Hirano's departure is not only a major loss for the Orix Buffaloes but also marks the end of one of the most enduring and respected careers in Japanese baseball in recent times.
