Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) will officially introduce the PitchCom wireless signaling system from next season, according to a source familiar with the matter who spoke on Monday (September 25). All 12 NPB clubs have been informed of the decision.
PitchCom is a device that allows catchers and pitchers to exchange information about pitch types and locations through signals sent from a small keypad worn by the catcher and an earpiece worn by the pitcher. This system replaces traditional hand signals, reducing the risk of sign stealing and speeding up the pace of play.
Previously, a similar system was used in Major League Baseball (MLB) starting in the 2022 season to prevent sign stealing and shorten game times. Trials in Japan have also been conducted during minor league games.
The NPB's move is seen as a step toward modernizing the rules and ensuring fairness, while helping umpires and players gradually adapt to the new technology before its wider adoption in Asian professional leagues.
The deployment of PitchCom is expected to be incorporated into the official NPB playing rules in the 2026 season, paving the way for international tournaments and the Olympics to adopt a common technological standard.
