DeNA announced on the 12th that a two-for-one trade involving catcher Yamamoto Yudai (27), SoftBank pitcher Ogata Takuto (26), and infielder Inoue Tomoya (23) had been finalized.
Yamamoto, drafted in the ninth round in 2017, became the team’s starting catcher after appearing in 71 games in 2023, 108 in 2024, and 104 in 2025. This season, he had played in a team-high 28 games among catchers, batting .227 with one home run. The trade was an unusual move, as it involved sending away the primary catcher.
Yamamoto’s comments were as follows:
“I was suddenly told about the trade, and honestly, I’m shocked and have a mix of emotions. I’m truly grateful to the team, coaches, and staff who helped me grow. Especially, the presence of Sano, Higashi, and Shugo was huge—I can’t thank them enough for the way we pushed each other and fought together.
I wanted to show our fans more of my best at Yokohama Stadium. This season started with the determination to win the league title, but I fell short. It’s frustrating that I couldn’t make it happen with my own efforts.
The support from BayStars fans was always warm, strong, and passionate. Every time I stood on the field at Yokohama Stadium, I felt encouraged and helped countless times. I realize now how fortunate I was.
I will never forget the courage and cheers you all gave me. Moving forward, I will take this as a new challenge and keep fighting positively. Thank you so much for the past nine years.”
◆Yamamoto Yudai: Born September 11, 1998, in Taisho Ward, Osaka City. He appeared in the summer Koshien tournament in his third year at Kyoto Shoei High School. After playing in the BC League for Shiga, he was drafted in the ninth round by DeNA in 2017. He hit a home run in his first at-bat in an NPB game on August 19, 2018. From 2023, he was the team’s most frequently used catcher for two consecutive years, winning the Best Nine and Golden Glove Award in 2024. His estimated salary this season is 73 million yen. He stands 180 cm tall and weighs 87 kg. He throws and bats right-handed.
