Chunichi Dragons

Nippon Professional Baseball's off-season contract notification period is underway, with the Chunichi Dragons confirming which players will not be offered contracts for next season. Fans are tracking the club's official announcements as teams across the league trim their rosters, a difficult annual ritual that can end players' careers or prompt moves to other clubs or independent leagues.

Yokohama DeNA BayStars have notified right-handed pitcher Kenta Ozono, the club's top pick in the 2021 draft and a former ace candidate wearing number 18, that he will be released after just five seasons. Ozono said he could not repay the expectations placed on him with results, but expressed his determination to continue his playing career. The move is drawing attention ahead of DeNA's matchup with the Chunichi Dragons.

Japanese baseball fans are tracking the probabilities for the day the Central League champion will be decided, as of September 28. Discussion covers the standings involving the Hanshin Tigers, Yomiuri Giants, Yokohama DeNA BayStars, Yakult Swallows, Chunichi Dragons and Hiroshima Carp, with fan reactions circulating as the pennant race nears its conclusion.