A blockbuster trade involving a star catcher has been finalized between the Yokohama DeNA BayStars and the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. On May 12, both teams announced that DeNA’s starting catcher Yudai Yamamoto (27) will be exchanged for SoftBank pitcher Shuto Ogata (26) and infielder Tomoya Inoue (23).
Yamamoto, a product of Kyoto Shoei High School and the BC League’s Shiga team, was selected by DeNA in the ninth round of the 2017 draft. Now in his ninth professional season, the former Best Nine and Golden Glove Award winner established himself as the team’s primary catcher. Last season, he played a key role in supporting ace pitcher Higashi, who won the league’s most wins. Known for his strong interpersonal skills, Yamamoto often served as the event organizer for his 1998-born teammates, including star hitter Maki and pitcher Irie.
Ogata, hailing from Gakko Ishikawa High School, joined SoftBank as the top pick in the 2017 developmental draft. Now in his ninth year as a pro, he is widely recognized for his powerful fastball. Inoue, a first-round draft pick in 2020 out of Hana Sakurai High School, is a right-handed hitter with significant potential.
Below are profiles of the three players:
– **Yudai Yamamoto** (born September 11, 1998, Osaka). 27 years old. Played in the summer Koshien tournament during his third year at Kyoto Shoei High. Joined DeNA in the 2017 draft (9th round) after a stint with BC Shiga. Appeared in 51 games in 2021 and a career-high 108 games in 2024, when he became the first independent-league graduate to win a Golden Glove Award. That same year, he earned Best Nine honors. In 396 career NPB games, he owns a .256 batting average, 14 home runs, and 111 RBIs. Listed at 180 cm, 87 kg. Throws right, bats right.
– **Tomoya Inoue** (born January 28, 2003, Osaka). 23 years old. Attended Shijonawate Junior High, where he played for the Ikoma Boys team, and was selected for the Boys Japan national team in his third year. At Hana Sakurai High School (Saitama), he appeared in the summer Koshien as a first- and second-year, and in the Koshien exchange event as a third-year. Hit 50 home runs in his high school career. Selected by SoftBank in the first round of the 2020 draft. Made his NPB debut in 2023 and hit his first home run. In 28 career games, he has a .181 average, 1 home run, and 4 RBIs. Listed at 182 cm, 91 kg. Throws right, bats right. Salary: 9.3 million yen.
– **Shuto Ogata** (born May 15, 1999, Miyagi Prefecture). 26 years old. Entered SoftBank as the top pick in the 2017 developmental draft from Gakko Ishikawa High School. Was promoted to the active roster in March 2020. Last season, he appeared in a career-high 38 games, recording a 1-1 record, 5 holds, and a 4.67 ERA. This season, he has pitched in 10 games. Listed at 182 cm, 90 kg. Throws right, bats left. Salary: 27 million yen.
