The Hiroshima Toyo Carp is a professional baseball team based in the city of Hiroshima, Japan. Founded in 1949 by Jujiro Matsuda, the founder of Mazda Motor Corporation and ancestor to current owner Hajime Matsuda, the team has been one of Japan’s premier baseball teams for decades.
The Carp compete in Nippon Professional Baseball’s Central League and play their home games at MAZDA Zoom-Zoom Stadium Hiroshima. Boasting numerous championships over its many years on existence, including six Central League pennants since 1990 alone, the fans have plenty to cheer about when watching this beloved franchise take to field.
1. Daichi Ohsera
Pitcher
Career
- 2014 Central League Rookie of the Year, 1× Central League wins champion (2018), 2× NPB All-Star (2018–2019)
Daichi Ohsera is a 31-year-old right pitcher for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. He made his professional debut with the team in 2014 and has since been very successful, posting an 8-3 record with a 2.97 ERA in 15 games (14 starts).
Ohsera was born in Ōmura, Nagasaki and attended high school at Gifu Tech before enrolling at Kyushu University where he played college baseball for the Kyushu Golden Eagles.
After graduating from college, Ohsera signed with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp as a free agent and has appeared in over 150 games over three seasons with them, compiling a 46-27 record with 468 strikeouts and just 83 walks.
Daichi's best season came in 2017 when he posted a 12-5 record along with 132 strikeouts and only 36 walks over 134 innings pitched split between both starting and relief roles on the mound.
In 2018, Ohsera finished 5th among Nippon Professional Baseball pitchers in WAR (wins above replacement) behind Shohei Otani of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim; Kenta Maeda of Dodgers; Yu Darvish of Rangers; Hyun Soo Kim of Twins.
2. Ryosuke Kikuchi
Infielder
Career
- 9× Central League Golden Glove Award (2013–2021), 7× NPB All-Star (2014–2019, 2021), Best Nine Award (2017), 2018 CLCS MVP
Kikuchi was born in March 1990 in Higashiyamato, Tokyo. Kikuchi made his NPB debut with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in June of 2012. In just over four seasons with the Carp, Kikuchi has hit .271 with 112 home runs and 486 RBIs on his resume.
Kikuchi is a right-handed hitter and throws from the right side of the infield. Kikuchi's versatility at both second base and shortstop allows him to be used as needed by manager Susumu Iwamura during games, especially given Hiroshima's injury situation at those positions this season.
With several NPB clubs having an interest in signing him following his impressive performance for Japan at the 2017 World Baseball Classic.
It looks like there could be more years of great baseball ahead for Ryosuke Kikuch Ryosuke Kikuchi is a Japanese professional baseball player who currently plays for Hiroshima Toyo Carp.
Ryosuke Kikuchi was born on November 10, 1992 in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. Ryosuke Kikuchi played college baseball at Chiba Lotte Marines where he won the Central League Golden Glove Award in 2013 and 2017.
In 2019, Ryosuke Kikuchi led the NPB with 117 hits while also hitting 21 home runs to win his first Best Nine Award as well as MVP of the CL postseason series against Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks becoming only the second player (after Sadaharu Oh) to ever achieve this feat in Nippon Professional Baseball history.
additionally, he became just the third player (joining Ichiro Suzuki and Kenji Johjima) to record 200 hits or more during their rookie season in NPB history.
On December 3rd 2020 it was announced that Ryosuke Kikuchi had signed a four year contract extension with Hiroshima Toyo Carp which will keep him with the team until 2024.
3. Aren Kuri
Career
- 1× Central League wins champion (2021)
Aren Kuri was born in Tottori, Japan on September 1st 1991. He made his debut with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in March of 2014 and has been pitching for them ever since.
His fastball is usually around 92-93 mph and he throws a slider as well to go along with it.
Aren Kuri is considered one of the top young pitchers in Japan right now and could have a bright future ahead of him if he continues to pitch at this level.
Kuri is one of the most experienced players in NPB. He has played for Hiroshima Toyo Carp since 2014, and helped lead the team to a championship in 2021. Aren Kuri is known for his power hitting, as he’s hit over 300 home runs in his career so far.
4. Shota Nakazaki
Pitcher
Career
- 2× NPB All-Star (2016, 2018)
Nakazaki was born in Takarabe, Kagoshima prefecture on August 10th 1992. He attended Miyazaki Prefectural Shimizu High School and then Hiroshima University before being drafted by the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in 2012.
Nakazaki made his professional debut with the Carp that same year, going 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA over 26 innings pitched between Rookie and Advanced levels of competition (11 starts). In 2013, Nakasaki posted an 8-5 record with a 2.90 ERA across 132⅓ innings pitched for both the Toyo Carp's first team and their farm team.
The Hanshin Tigers' affiliate club - compiling 128 strikeouts along the way as well as 7 complete games including one shutout performance against Yakult Swallows on September 5th which earned him Pitcher of The Month honours from Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).
During 2014 he went 13-7 with a 2.27 ERA while striking out 193 batters over 161⅔ innings pitched split equally between Hiroshima and Hanshin but it wasn't until 2015.
When he really started to come into his own; posting career highs numbers across almost every category including wins (16), losses (6), hits allowed (64), runs allowed per nine innings (.8) & strikeouts per nine innings(10).
These impressive totals saw him elected to appear in his first ever NPB All Star Game later that year where he finished off 2016 as Japan's number 1 ranked pitcher having won 22 matches.
Whilst losing only 4 en route to becoming MVP of Nippon Professional Baseball at their end-of-year Awards Ceremony held earlier this month.
5. Yusuke Nomura
Pitcher
Career
- 2012 Central League Rookie of the Year, 1× NPB Win Champion (2016), 1× NPB Best Nine Award (2016), 2× NPB All-Star (2012, 2016)
Yusuke Nomura was born in Kurashiki, Okayama on June 24th, 1989. He made his professional debut with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in 2012 and has since become a vital part of their rotation.
Nomura throws right-handed and bats left-handed. Outside of baseball, he is also interested in music and is a member of the rock band "Chocolate Drop". Nomura is married with one child .
Nomura was the Central League Rookie of the Year in 2012. Nomura has won two awards with Hiroshima Toyo Carp, including a NPB Best Nine Award in 2016 and an NPB All-Star selection in both 2012 and 2016.
Nomura is currently a member of Japan's National Team, having been selected for the 2019 World Baseball Classic tournament as well as this year's edition of the Asia Series competition.
6. Masato Morishita
Pitcher
Career
- Win–loss record: 19-10
- Earned run average: 2.51
- Strikeouts: 263
- 2020 Central League Rookie of the Year, 2x NPB All-Star (2021, 2022)
Masato Morishita was born on August 25, 1997 in Ōita, Japan. He is a pitcher for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp and made his debut with the team on June 21, 2020.
Morishita has 19 wins and 10 losses as of April 2, 2022 in NPB play. His ERA is 2.51 and he’s struck out 263 batters over that time period.
Morishita was drafted by the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in the second round of the 2018 NPB Draft and showed promise during his rookie season last year batting .276/.327/.389 with 5 HRs and 46 RBIs in 127 games played between Rookie Level Softbank Hawks (20 G) and Hiroshima Toyo Carp (127 G).
It will be interesting to see how Masato Morishita develops over the next few seasons given that he still has some growing to do physically at age 25 years old - but if he continues to develop at this rate then there’s no doubt that he has what it takes to become an elite starting pitcher in NPB.
7. Atsuya Horie
Career
- Win–loss record: 9-10
- Earned Run Average: 4.78
- Strikeouts: 102
Atsuya Horie is a 25-year old pitcher for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. He was drafted in the second round of the 2014 Nippon Professional Baseball draft by Hiroshima.
Horie has pitched in both professional and collegiate baseball leagues in Japan, as well as playing internationally for Team Asia at the 2016 World University Baseball Championship.
In his first pro season with Hiroshima, he posted an impressive 2-1 record with a 1.75 ERA over 31 innings pitched (25 appearances). His best performance came during May where he notched 41 strikeouts and only allowed one earned run over 16 innings pitched (14 appearances).
Horie struggled down the stretch of that rookie campaign, but still managed to post a 3-0 record and 0.90 ERA overall through 57 innings pitched (51 appearances). The following year saw him post similar numbers: 3-1 with a 1.92 ERA across 44 innings pitched (43 games/appearances).
This past 2018 season has been horie's most successful yet; posting an even 5-0 record while limiting opponents to just 18 hits over 54⅓ IP(50H/9ER) between Central League regular season play and postseason action--including 8 shutout frames en route to earning MVP honors in CLDSC playoffs.
8. Hiroki Tokoda
Career
- Win–loss record: 19-19
- Earned Run Average: 3.49
- Strikeouts: 262
- 2× NPB All-Star (2019, 2022)
Tokoda was born in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. He attended Saitama Gakuin University and played for the university's baseball team. Tokoda made his professional debut with Hiroshima Toyo Carp in 2017 at the age of 27 years old.
Tokoda has a left-handed throwing arm and is currently rated as having MLB potential by many scouts around NPB. Tokoda is often compared to another Japanese pitcher who recently debuted in America - Shohei Ohtani - due to their similarities on the mound both physically and skill-wise.
In 2018 he had an excellent season where he posted a 2 ERA over 52 innings pitched while striking out 79 batters which led to him being selected for the Nippon Professional Baseball All-Star game.
Tokoda, who bats left-handed and throws right-handed, first made a name for himself in Japan's top baseball league, the NPB.
After impressing with his bat in limited action over two seasons with Hiroshima Toyo Carp (2017–18), Tokoda was called up to the majors for the 2018 season.
Tokoda struggled mightily at first as he adjusted to life in MLB; however, he has since turned things around and is currently one of the team's most reliable hitters.
Known for his strong throwing arm,Tokoda entered spring training this year looking to cement a spot on the roster as an outfielder or second baseman though that may not be necessary now that All-Star Jose Pirela has returned from injury.
9. Ren Nakata
Pitcher
Ren Nakata was born in Osaka, Japan on July 21st 1990. He made his professional debut with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in 2010 and has since played for teams such as the Yokohama BayStars and Chiba Lotte Marines.
Ren is known for his sidearm delivery and high-speedballs that can often be hard to hit. In 2013 he joined the Nippon Ham Fighters after being chosen fifth overall in the 2012 NPB Draft.
The following season saw him post a record of 16 wins with an ERA of 2.65, earning him MVP honors at the All-Star game.
In 2016, Ren won 18 games with a 2nd place finish in balloting for Best Pitcher in Japan's Central League Awards, joining Yu Darvish (2006) as the only two players to win this award twice consecutively.
He led Japanese baseball by posting 23 double plays while striking out 269 batters over 161 innings pitched during 2017 which placed him 5th all time on JBL records list behind Masahiro Tanaka (293), Yūki Ōtsuka (290), Daisuke Matsuzaka (281) and Koji Uehara(278).
His 2018 campaign was cut short due to injury but still ended up winning 20 games including 3 shutouts helping lead his team back to postseason play where they eventually lost against Seibu Lions 4 games.
10. Yuta Nakamura
Pitcher
Yuta Nakamura was born on August 31, 1995 in Edogawa, Tokyo, Japan. Nakamura played for Hiroshima Toyo Carp from 2015-2018 and has a record of 15 wins and 9 losses with an ERA of 3.92 in 88 innings pitched.
In the 2018 NPB season, he had a 1-1 record with an ERA of 2.63 over 18 appearances (17 starts). He also threw two complete games during the year.
Yuta is known as a pitcher who relies heavily on his fastball and slider to get hitters out; however, he can also pitch effectively using other pitches such as his changeup or curveball when needed too.
The right-hander is currently ranked 38th among NPB pitchers in Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference and could potentially move up in future rankings due to his impressive performance thus far into the 2019 season.
11. Ryuji Ichioka
Pitcher
Career
- 1× NPB All-Star (2014)
Ryuji Ichioka is a pitcher for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. He was born in Fukuoka, Japan on January 11th, 1991. Ichioka made his professional debut with the Yomiuri Giants in 2012 and has since been an integral part of their successful pitching staff.
His fastball reaches speeds up to 100 km/h and he also boasts a strong slider and change-up which have helped him accumulate over 150 strikeouts during his career thus far.
In 2016, Ryuji Ichioka led all Japanese pitchers with 19 victories (the most by any player from that country).
He has represented his country at both international tournaments (WBC Qualifiers & World Baseball Classic) as well as major league All-Star games, cementing himself as one of Japan's top players on the global stage Ryuji Ichioka is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher who has played for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp since the 2014 season.
He was originally drafted by the Yomiuri Giants in 2012, but he did not sign with them and instead chose to play college ball at Kona International University in Hawaii.
After two successful seasons at Kona, Ichioka made his NPB debut with the Giants in 2013 and went on to have a 16-14 record with an ERA of 2.79 and 245 strikeouts over 183 innings pitched.
In 2014, Ichioka transferred to Hiroshima where he has been one of the Carp's most consistent pitchers ever since; during his tenure there he has compiled a win-loss record of 16-14 while striking out 245 batters and saving 7 games en route to being named an NPB All-Star for the first time in his career this year (2014).
12. Akitake Okada
Akitake Okada is a 29-year-old pitcher who plays for Hiroshima Toyo Carp in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball. Okada was drafted by the Yokohama BayStars in the second round of the 2012 NPB Draft, and made his debut with them that season.
He spent most of the next two seasons with their farm team before joining Hiroshima on an exclusive contract in 2015.
In 2017, he led all Japanese pitchers with 25 wins and finished fourth in voting for MVP Award. His 2018 campaign was cut short after just 16 starts due to injury; however, he still posted a 3rd place finish in Cy Young voting behind Yūki Yamamoto and Kenta Maeda.
Akitake Okada debuted for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp on April 1, 2016. He is 24 years old and has a 4.36 ERA in 280 innings pitched over 27 appearances as of 2020 season.
His strikeouts total 287 and his WHIP stands at 1.24 as of this writing (through 2020). Akitake Okada played for the Hanshin Tigers from 2014-2016 before signing with Hiroshima Toyo Carp in early 2016.
Overall he's posted a record of 24-17 with an ERA of 4.36 in 277 career NPB games (.906 winning percentage).
13. Shōgo Tamamura
Pitcher
Career
- Win-loss record: 4-7
- Earned run average: 3.82
- Strikeouts: 67
Tamamura was drafted by the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in the first round of the 2016 NPB draft. In his rookie season, Tamamura pitched to a 3-4 record and 2.89 ERA with 50 strikeouts in 58 innings across all levels of play.
He made his debut with Hiroshima at 20 years old and became one of the youngest pitchers to start an NPB game, breaking Kazuhisa Ishii's record set in 1995 when he started for Yakult Swallows at age 19 years and 249 days old (Tamamura turned 21 on April 16).
His maiden victory came against Yomiuri Giants on July 27th, pitching 7 strong innings while only allowing two hits while striking out six batters en route to a 5-1 win; it was also Tamamura's first complete game as well as first shutout in Nippon Professional Baseball history.
The right-hander finished 1st place finisher for Rookie of the Year Award after posting stellar stats including lowest earned run average among qualifiers (2.89), most wins (8) and fewest losses (1) during regular season competition, whilst registering 150+ strike outs over 151⅓ IP throughout entire campaign.
Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks despite holding them scoreless through eight innings twice – both games went into extra frames where he allowed just one hit each time before losing both times due to inability to hold leads going into ninth inning or later (.667 slugging percentage).
Shogo as injuries kept him sidelined from early May until September 4th midway through year – this caused some regression statistically compared to previous seasons though still managed.
Finish top10 RP ranking thanks largely agains above average strikeouts total amounting up 116 over 147⅔ IP thereby establishing himself once again as one of best hurlers currently active within Japanese baseball league system.
14. Kazuki Yabuta
Pitcher
Kazuki Yabuta is a Hiroshima Toyo Carp pitcher who has played in the Nippon Professional Baseball since 2014.
He made his professional debut with the team's rookie league affiliate, the Marines, in 2010 and was promoted to their top farm club, the Hawks, later that year.
In total he has posted a record of 57-33 with a 3.16 ERA in 132 appearances (119 starts). He helped lead Hiroshima to their first Japan Series title as part of the Central League pennant race in 2016 and was named.
Most Valuable Player of the playoffs after posting a 1-0 record with 2 saves en route to winning MVP honors (.500 BA/.714 OBP/.857 SLG) over fellow finalists Takashi Saito (.429 BA/.692 OBP/.926 SLG).
His contract extension through 2020 was announced on November 9th of last year and sees him remain with Hiroshima until at least 2025; making him one of only four players contracted until at least 2030 currently playing NPB baseball (alongside Masahiro Tanaka, Shohei Ohtani and Kenta Maeda).
A native Japanese speaker born in Hiroshima Prefecture just south west of Tokyo, Kazuki Yabuta attended Juntendo University before being drafted by Chunichi Dragons in 2009 then moving up two levels to join Shimane Giants.
Where he pitched for 4 seasons from 2012-2015 before joining Hiroshima Toyo Carp prior to this season's campaign.
15. Atsushi Endoh
Career
- Win-loss record: 6-8
- ERA: 3.73
- Strikeouts: 153
Atsushi Endoh is a pitcher for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. He was born in Tsuchiura, Ibaraki Japan on April 8, 1999. Endoh made his professional debut with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in 2017 and has since become one of their most consistent players.
In 2018 he posted a record of 10-4 with an ERA of 2.24 and 124 strikeouts in 129 innings pitched. His standout performance this year earned him selection to participate in the 2019.
Asian Baseball Championship where he will be pitching against top competition from across Asia including South Korea, Taiwan, China and Indonesia Outside of baseball, Endoh enjoys playing video games such as Fortnite and PUBG.
He also likes to watch anime series like Attack on Titan . When not spent playing or training at the ballpark,Endoh can often be found hanging out with friends or going out for food.
16. Sotaro Shimauchi
Career
- Win-loss record: 1-2
- Earned run average: 3.80
- Strikeouts: 133
Shimauchi made his debut in the Hiroshima Toyo Carp organization in 2016. He has a strong right-handed swing and throws a fastball, slider, and forkball.
Shimauchi is currently pitching for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp farm team where he is posting an ERA of 2.51 with 36 strikeouts over 33 innings pitched this season.
It is hoped that Shimauchi can improve on these numbers as he advances up through the minor leagues to eventually make his MLB debut one day Sotaro Shimauchi was drafted by the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in 2019.
He made his professional baseball debut with the team on March 30th, 2019. He has played in just one game so far this season and has a record of 1-2.
In addition to playing for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, Shimauchi also played college ball at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan from 2017 to 2018 where he led his team to back-to-back championships as captain during his junior and senior years respectively.
Shimauchi is known for being a powerful hitter who generates a lot of power through swing mechanics that are reminiscent of former MLB players such as Ichiro Suzuki and Ryota Murata.
Fans will be eager to see more performances from Sotaro Shimauchi as he continues to make strides towards becoming an elite player in Japanese Professional Baseball.
17. Yasunori Kikuchi
Pitcher
Career
- 1× Japan Series champion (2013)
Yasunori Kikuchi is a pitcher for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball.
He made his NPB debut with the team in 2010 and has since become one of their most consistent starters, posting an 8-7 record with a 3.65 ERA over 158 innings pitched.
Kikuchi was born on September 18, 1989 in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan and attended Kanto Gakuin University where he played college baseball for the school's national team before turning pro.
The left-handed Kikuchi throws hard (averaging 97 mph) and relies heavily on his control to get hitters out; despite this he has had difficulty striking out batters at an elite level (his strikeout rate ranks 11th among all NPB pitchers who have thrown at least 150 innings).
In 2016, Kikuchi signed with the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters as a free agent following eight seasons with Rakuten Golden Eagles.
18. Ryoji Kuribayashi
Pitcher
Career
- Win–loss record: 0-3
- Earned run average: 1.16
- Strikeouts: 140
- Saves: 68
- Holds: 6
- 2021 Central League Rookie of the Year, 2×NPB All-Star (2021, 2022), Pitched in more than 50 games in the season and has an ERA of 0 points (2021)[1], 23-Game Clean Sheet (26 June 2021 - 14 October 2021)[2], , NPB records, , No runs in 22 consecutive games since the opening: March 27, 2021 - June 10, 2021[3]
Kuribayashi was born in Aisai,Aichi Prefecture on July 9th, 1996. He made his professional debut with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in March 2021 and has yet to win a game or post an ERA below 1.16.
Kuribayashi throws right-handed and bats left-handed. In 2019 he led the Jingu League (a regional league) with 140 strikeouts while posting a 2-0 record and 0 ERA in 14 appearances (13 starts).
The 6'1", 190lb pitcher is considered one of Japan's top pitching prospects and could be called up to the Nippon Professional Baseball League at any time soon.
Ryoji Kuribayashi is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp of Nippon Professional Baseball.
He was born on October 28, 1991 in Osaka, Japan and played high school ball at Seibu Prince Domei High School before enrolling at Hokkaido University to play college baseball.
In his first season of NPB action with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in 2019, he posted an ERA of 2 points (1 ER/9 IP) while striking out over ten batters per nine innings pitched en route to being named Central League Rookie of the Year honors.
Kuribayashi has represented Japan in international competition several times including at the Summer Olympics where he helped lead Team Japan to a silver medal in 2016 as well as playing spoiler against South Korea during their run to gold that same year.
The right-hander will be hoping continued success can follow him into 2021 when he looks set for another All-Star appearance and perhaps even more accolades come September when NPB awards its postseason MVP honours.
19. Haruki Omichi
Career
- Win–loss record: 4-4
- Earned run average: 4.75
- Strikeouts: 35
- Saves: 0
- Holds: 3
Haruki Omichi is a Japanese right-handed pitcher who made his debut for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in 2018. Haruki Omichi stands at 6'0" and weighs 200 pounds.
He has good control of his fastball, which can hit 98 mph on occasion, as well as an effective slider and changeup. In high school, Haruki Omichi was widely considered one of the best pitchers in Japan and was drafted by the Chunichi Dragons in the second round of the 2017 NPB draft.
However he chose to sign with Hiroshima instead after meeting with team officials. As a rookie this season, Haruki Omchi had a 3-1 record with a 2.12 ERA before being sidelined with an injury late in July.
He is expected to return shortly thereafter though there are no set dates yet for that return appearance or any others this season due to his rehabilitation process still ongoing.
20. Daisuke Moriura
Career
- Win–loss record: 6-9
- Earned run average: 3.23
- Strikeouts: 89
- Saves: 0
- Holds: 41
Daisuke Moriura made his professional baseball debut in 2018 with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. He was selected in the first round of the 2017 NPB Draft out of Shingū High School in Wakayama, Japan.
Moriura is a left-handed pitcher and throws from a sidearm delivery. His fastball tops out at around 92 miles per hour and he also mixes in an assortment of other pitches including a slider, changeup and curveball.
In 16 games (14 starts) for Hiroshima this season, Daisuke has posted an 8-4 record with 97 strikeouts over 95 innings pitched. He has also allowed just 36 hits while walking only six batters during that span.
The 24-year old is currently leading all Japanese rookies with eight wins as well as ranking second among all pitchers behind Yusei Kikuchi (10).
With another strong performance next week at home against reigning Central League champions Yomiuri Giants, Moriura could cement himself as one of NPB's top young talent for years to come.
21. Drew Anderson
Anderson made his MLB debut in 2017 with the Philadelphia Phillies. He played for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in Japan from 2022-2024 before coming back to MLB with the Phillies in 2024.
Anderson is a right-handed pitcher and bats right-handed. In 2018, Anderson posted an 11-8 record with a 3.42 ERA for the Phillies, earning him a nomination for NL Pitcher of the Year honors on November 9th but ultimately losing out to Jacob deGrom of the Mets.
Anderson was traded to Tampa Bay Rays prior to the start of 2019 season where he currently resides as their number 4 starter behind Chris Archer, Alex Cobb and Blake Snell respectively . Drew Anderson is a former MLB player who played for the Philadelphia Phillies from 2017-2019.
Drew was a relief pitcher and had successful stats in that role, posting a win–loss record of 1–3 with an earned run average (ERA) of 6.50 and striking out 30 batters during his time in the majors.
After leaving MLB, Anderson signed with the Chicago White Sox as a free agent in 2020 where he has continued to have success, posting a 3-4 win-loss record and an ERA of 3.60 while striking 59 batters over 63 innings pitched thus far this season.
Drew also spent time playing for the Texas Rangers earlier in his career before joining Hiroshima Toyo Carp midway through the 2022 season.
22. Takumi Kurohara
Career
- Win-loss record: 0-0
- ERA: 0.00
- Strikeouts: 2
Takumi Kurohara is a young pitcher for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. He was born in Kainan, Wakayama, Japan on November 29th 1999.
Takumi has played for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp since 2016 and made his debut at age 18 years old during the 2015 season.
In 2017 he had an impressive rookie campaign posting a 2-1 record with a 1.68 ERA in 19 appearances (20 innings).
In 2018 he continued to develop as one of Hiroshima's top pitchers, appearing in 27 games (28 starts) and finishing with a 10-6 record and 3rd place finish in MVP voting behind Yu Darvish and Sho Ishikawa.
Takumi is known for his fastball that can reach up to 103 MPH which allows him to dominate hitters early in games before settling into cruise control later on - perfecting his craft under Glen Mensching who tutored him from when he first started pitching professionally until now.
23. Ryuya Matsumoto
Career
- Win-loss record: 0-0
- ERA: 6.00
- Strikeouts: 2
Ryuya Matsumoto is a 23-year-old pitcher for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. He has a 3.45 ERA in 93 innings pitched this season. Matsumoto was born in Sakurai, Nara, Japan and played baseball in high school.
He was drafted by the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in the 3rd round of the 2017 NPB Draft. Matsumoto's fastball averages around 97 mph, and he also has a good slider and changeup. Matsumoto is a workhorse pitcher, throwing nearly every inning for the Toyo Carp.
Matsumoto has helped the Toyo Carp to a second place finish in the Central League standings. Matsumoto is the nephew of former major league pitcher Masanori Matsumoto. Matsumoto is a candidate for the Japanese national team for the upcoming Baseball World Cup.
24. Nik Turley
Nik Turley was born in La Cañada, California on September 11, 1989. Turley made his MLB debut for the Minnesota Twins on June 11, 2017. Turley pitched for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in NPB from May 3, 2022 to July 16, 2022.
During his time in Japan, Turley compiled a record of 3-2 with a 2.80 ERA in 36 appearances. After returning to the MLB, Turley was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals on July 31, 2022. Turley pitched for the Cardinals for two seasons, compiling a record of 5-10 with a 4.12 ERA.
Turley was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 29, 2024. Turley pitched for the Dodgers for two seasons, compiling a record of 10-10 with a 4.09 ERA.
Turley was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 27, 2026. Turley pitched for the Diamondbacks for two seasons, compiling a record of 7-11 with a 4.21 ERA.
Turley had a successful MLB career, pitching for the Minnesota Twins, St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Arizona Diamondbacks.
He had a record of 66-60 with a 4.12 ERA in 159 appearances. After his two seasons with the Diamondbacks, Turley was traded to the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in NPB. He pitched for them for two seasons, compiling a record of 3-2 with a 2.80 ERA in 36 appearances.
25. Seiya Suzuki
Outfielder
Career
- NPB, 5× Central League Golden Glove Award (2016, 2017, 2019–2021), 6× Best Nine Award (2016–2021), 5× NPB All-Star (2016–2019, 2021), 2× Central League Batting Champion (2019, 2021), 2× Central League OBP Leader (2019, 2021)
Seiya Suzuki made his professional debut in 2013 with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. He has since played in the MLB for the Chicago Cubs. Suzuki has been a consistent hitter in Japan, batting over .300 in every season since his debut.
Suzuki has also hit over 200 home runs in his career. He is a versatile outfielder who can play both in the outfield and at first base. Suzuki is a young player with a lot of potential, and he is sure to continue to improve in the future.
Seiya Suzuki is a Japanese first baseman who plays for Hiroshima Toyo Carp in the Japanese Central League.
Suzuki has spent his entire career with the Toyo Carp, where he has been a consistent contributor at the plate. Suzuki has won several awards throughout his career, including two Central League batting championships.
Suzuki is a three-time All-Star and has been a member of the Japan national team.
Also Played For: nippon professional baseball
26. Takahiro Arai
Third baseman
Career
- Central League MVP (2016), 8× All-Star (2002, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2013, 2015 - 2017), 1× Central League Leader of Home Run (2005), 1× Central League Leader of RBI (2011), 2× Central League Best Nine Award (2005, 2016), 1× Central League Golden Glove Award (2008), 1× NPB All-Star Game MVP (2013)
Takahiro Arai is a veteran player in the NPB and has had a long and successful career in Japan. Arai has played for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp for most of his NPB career.
He is a three-time NPB All-Star and has also won a championship with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. Arai is also known for his strong batting skills and is a threat at the plate.
He is currently the manager of the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. Arai will likely continue playing in the NPB for another season or two. He is a popular player in Japan and is well-loved by fans.
Arai is a respected member of the Japanese baseball community. He is a highly-skilled player and has been a key member of the Hiroshima Toyo Carp over the years. As a player, Takahiro Arai was a three-time Central League MVP and eight-time All-Star.
After leaving Hiroshima in 2007, Arai played for Hanshin for six seasons. Arai was named manager of Hiroshima in September of 2019.
27. Shinji Sasaoka
Career
- 1991 Central League MVP, 1991 Eiji Sawamura Award, 1991 NPB Win Champion, 1991 NPB ERA Champion, 1991 NPB MVP for Pitcher, 1991 NPB Best Nine Award, 6x NPB All-Star (1990, 1991, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001)
- Last updated on: 8 January 2014
Shinji Sasaoka began his NPB career with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. He would play for the Carp until 2007. Sasaoka had a 138-153 win-loss record in NPB and was a member of the Hiroshima Toyo Carp and the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks.
Sasaoka is best known for his time with the Carp. He had a 106 saves record and a 3.58 ERA. Shinji Sasaoka is also a coach and manager for the Nippon-Ham Fighters. Sasaoka was born in 1967 in Naka District, Shimane, Japan. Shinji Sasaoka was a dominant pitcher in Japan's NPB for many years.
He won numerous awards, including the Eiji Sawamura Award, and was named MVP for Pitcher in 1991. After retiring as a player, he served as a coach for Hiroshima Toyo Carp from 2015 to 2019. In 2020, he was named manager of the Hiroshima Toyo Carp.
28. Tsubasa Aizawa
Catcher
Career
- 3× NPB All-Star (2015, 2018, 2019), NPB All-Star Game MVP (2015 Game 2)
Tsubasa Aizawa is a 34-year-old catcher for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. He made his debut with the Carp in 2009 and has since been a mainstay in the team's lineup.
Aizawa is a highly-rated player and is known for his strong batting and throwing abilities. He has been a member of the Japan national team and has played in a number of international tournaments.
Aizawa is a popular player with fans and is known for his outgoing personality. He is currently in his seventh season with the Carp and is considered to be one of the team's key players. Aizawa is a husband and father and is known for his love of the game of baseball.
He is due to retire at the end of the 2022 season. Aizawa is a highly-skilled player and is a valuable member of the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. Tsubasa Aizawa is a talented right-handed pitcher who has been a staple in the Hiroshima Toyo Carp rotation for the past few seasons.
Tsubasa Aizawa has a strong arsenal of pitches, including a fastball, curveball, and slider. Tsubasa Aizawa is a fierce competitor on the mound and has been known to be fiery in the dugout. Tsubasa Aizawa is a two-time NPB All-Star and was MVP of the NPB All-Star Game in 2015.
Tsubasa Aizawa is a native of Hiroshima and is a fan favorite in his home city. Tsubasa Aizawa is a tireless worker in the gym and is known for his consistent intensity on the mound. Tsubasa Aizawa is a leader on and off the field for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp and is a key part of the team's success.
Tsubasa Aizawa is a big part of the Japanese baseball community and is beloved by fans all over the world. Tsubasa Aizawa is a future Hall of Famer and will be remembered as one of the best pitchers in NPB history.
29. Brad Eldred
Infielder
Career
- 2× All-Star (2014, 2016), Central League Leader of Home Run (2014), NPB All-Star Game MVP (2014)
Brad Eldred is a veteran first baseman who has played in the major leagues for five seasons. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first round of the 2005 draft.
He made his MLB debut with the Pirates in 2005 and spent five seasons with the team before being traded to the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in 2012.
Eldred has had a fairly successful career in Japan, where he has hit for a batting average of .203 and compiled 56 hits in 131 games.
Eldred is a free agent after the 2012 season and is likely to retire from professional baseball. Eldred is a highly skilled player who has a good eye at hitting balls into the gaps.
He is a popular player in Japan and is known for his outgoing and friendly personality. Eldred is a fan favorite in Japan and is well-respected by his peers and the Japanese fans.
Eldred is a well-loved player in Japan and is highly respected by his peers and the Japanese fans.
30. Yoshihiro Maru
Outfielder
Career
- 2× Central League MVP (2017-2018), 1× Central League Stolen Base Champion (2013), 7× Central League Golden Glove Award (2013-2019), 7× NPB All-Star (2013-2017, 2019, 2022), 6× Best Nine Award (2014, 2016-2020), Interleague play CL Nippon Life Award Winner (2017), Hochi Professional Sports Award (2019), 7× Mitsui Golden Glove Award (2013-2019), 1× On Base Percentage Leader (2018), 1× Hits Leader (2017)
Maru is a highly-rated outfielder in Nippon Professional Baseball and is often compared to Ichiro Suzuki. Maru was signed by the Yomiuri Giants as a free agent in 2010 and made his debut with the team that same year.
He has since played for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp and the Saitama Seibu Lions. Maru has been a mainstay in the Yomiuri Giants' lineup and has posted respectable numbers in the NPB. Maru is a three-time NPB All-Star and was named the 2016 Pacific League MVP.
Maru is a right-handed hitter and throws right-handed. Maru is a strong defensive player who is known for his speed and range in the outfield. Maru has announced that he will retire after the 2022 season. Maru is a two-time Central League MVP and a seven-time Central League Golden Glove Award winner.
Maru is a seven-time NPB All-Star and has won six Best Nine Awards. Maru has also won the Hochi Professional Sports Award and the CL Nippon Life Award. He is currently the batting leader for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. Maru is a member of the Japanese national team.
31. Sohichiro Amaya
Outfielder
Sohichiro Amaya was born in Fukui, Japan on November 8, 1983. Amaya is an outfielder and throws left. He started his professional career with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in 2003.
Amaya has played for the Chunichi Dragons, Yakult Swallows, and the Hanshin Tigers. Amaya has spent most of his career in Japan, but he has also played for the Chunichi Dragons and the Yakult Swallows in the Japanese Central League.
Amaya was called up to the Nippon Ham Fighters in September of 2017. Amaya has hit .269 with 113 home runs and 557 RBI in 907 career games.
Amaya will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2018 season. Amaya is a three-time Japan All-Star and was voted the Central League's Most Valuable Player in 2016.
Sohichiro Amaya made his debut with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in 2004. Amaya was originally signed by the Hiroshima Toyo Carp as a pitcher, but he transitioned to the outfield in 2006.
In 2009, Amaya led the Carp with a .289 batting average. Amaya also played for the Nippon Ham Fighters (2008) and the Yokohama BayStars (2009-2012).
Amaya signed with the Carp again in 2018 and is currently playing for the team. Amaya has spent most of his career in Japan, but he has also played in Korea and Taiwan.
255 hitter with 27 home runs and 159 RBI in 592 NPB games. Amaya is a three-time All-Star and a two-time Golden Glove winner. Amaya is currently in the middle of his 15th NPB season.
32. Shota Dobayashi
Infielder
Career
- 3× NPB All-Star (2012–2014)
Dobayashi was signed by the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in 2010. Dobayashi spent the first three years of his career playing for the team's farm team, the Hiroshima Toyo Carp Junior League.
Dobayashi was called up to the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in April of 2013 and made his debut that same month. Dobayashi played in 56 games for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in 2013, batting .236 with 4 home runs and 23 RBI.
Dobayashi played in 73 games for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in 2014, batting .266 with 5 home runs and 36 RBI. Dobayashi was named to the Japan national team for the 2015 World Baseball Classic. Dobayashi was named to the Japan national team for the 2017 World Baseball Classic.
Dobayashi was named to the Japan national team for the 2019 World Baseball Classic. Dobayashi was traded to the Hanshin Tigers in December of 2019.
33. Kaito Kozono
Career
- Batting average: .264
- Home runs: 9
- Runs batted in: 55
- 1× NPB All-Star (2022)
Kozono was born in Takarazuka, Hyōgo, Japan on June 7, 2000. Kozono made his professional debut with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in 2019. Kozono bats and throws right.
Kozono has a .259 batting average and .315 on-base percentage in 133 NPB games. Kozono is a member of the Japan national team. Kozono is a fan favorite for his energy and smile on the field.
Kozono is committed to helping the Hiroshima Toyo Carp win championships. Kozono is a rising star in the NPB and is expected to continue to improve in the future. Kozono is a versatile player who can play any position in the infield.
Kaito Kozono had an impressive batting average of .264 while playing for Hiroshima Toyo Carp in the NPB. Kaito Kozono was also a home run hitter, with nine in his career. In addition, Kaito Kozono has also reached 55 runs batted in in his NPB career.
Kaito Kozono has also been a part of the Hiroshima Toyo Carp since 2019. Kaito Kozono is a left-handed batter and can hit for both power and average.
34. Kosuke Tanaka
Infielder
Career
- 2016 CLCS MVP, Central League Golden Glove Award (2018), Central League Best Nine Award (2017), Central League stolen base champion (2017), 3× NPB All-Star (2015, 2017, 2018)
Kosuke Tanaka was born in Atsugi, Kanagawa, Japan in 1989. He is a left-handed infielder and was drafted by the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in the third round of the 2010 NPB Draft.
Tanaka made his professional debut with the Toyo Carp in March 2014. Injuries have limited him to just 63 games played over the past three seasons, but Tanaka has shown flashes of brilliance with the Toyo Carp.
Tanaka is arbitration eligible for the first time this winter and is likely to command a salary in the high-single-digit range. If healthy, Tanaka has the potential to be a very valuable player in the Toyo Carp lineup.
He is married and has two young children. Tanaka is a devout Christian and often posts religious-themed messages on his social media accounts. Kosuke Tanaka is a verytalented player and has the potential to be a cornerstone of the Hiroshima Toyo Carp lineup in the future..
35. Takayoshi Noma
Takayoshi Noma is a right-handed outfielder for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp of Nippon Professional Baseball. Noma was drafted by the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in the third round of the 2013 Nippon Professional Baseball draft.
Noma made his debut with the Carp in 2016, and has since played in 154 games and hit .284 with 18 home runs and 59 RBI.
Noma was named to the Japan national team for the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Noma is a native of Miki, Hyōgo and attended Seitoku Gakuen High School.
Noma is married and has a daughter. Noma is a Christian. Noma is a member of the Japan national baseball team and the Hiroshima Toyo Carp.
Takayoshi Noma made his debut for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp on March 27th, 2015. In his debut season, he batted an impressive .261 with 10 home runs and 88 RBIs.
He has also stolen 61 bases in his career, which is good for sixth in the NPB. Noma is a very exciting player to watch, and he is sure to be a mainstay in the Toyo Carp lineup for years to come.
36. Shosei Nakamura
Nakamura is a young catcher who is looking to make a name for himself in the Japanese baseball league. He was born in Hiroshima, Japan, and played for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in the 2018 season.
Nakamura is known for his strong throwing arm, which has helped him to become a promising catcher. Nakamura is still young, and has a lot of potential to grow as a player. He is a right-handed pitcher who was drafted by the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in the first round of the 2018 NPB Draft.
Nakamura made his NPB debut with the Carp on July 26th, 2020. He has a batting average of .263 and has hit two home runs and five RBIs in 18 games played.
Nakamura is a right-handed pitcher and is known for his strong throwing arm. Nakamura is a young pitcher with a lot of potential and is looking to make an impact in the NPB this season.
He is currently listed as the number four pitcher on the Hiroshima Toyo Carp's roster. Nakamura is a highly-touted prospect and is expected to continue to improve over the next few seasons.
He is a Japanese citizen and was born in Hiroshima on July 26th, 1996. Nakamura is a member of the Japan U-17 National Team and represented his country at the World U-17 Baseball Championship in 2017.
37. Hisayoshi Chōno
Outfielder
Career
- 2× NPB All-Star (2011–2012), 2× Best Nine Award (2011–2012), 2× Mitsui Golden Glove Award (2011–2012), Central League batting champion (2011), 2010 Central League Rookie of the Year
Chōno is a right-handed outfielder for the Yomiuri Giants. He was drafted by the Giants in the 8th round of the 2008 NPB Draft. Chōno made his NPB debut with the Giants in 2010 and has since played for the team for six seasons.
He has appeared in 291 games, batting .236 with 12 home runs and 86 RBI. Chōno was born in Kiyama, Saga, Japan, in 1984.
He started playing baseball at an early age and attended high school in his home town. Chōno attended college at Waseda University in Tokyo and played for the school's baseball team.
He was drafted by the Giants in the 8th round of the 2008 NPB Draft. Chōno made his international debut for Japan in 2006 and has since played in at least one international game every year.
He has represented Japan at the Olympics and World Baseball Classic. Chōno is a right-handed batter and throws right-handed.
38. Ryoma Nishikawa
Infielder
Career
- Batting average: .295
- Home runs: 45
- Runs batted in: 232
Nishikawa was drafted in the first round of the 2013 NPB Draft by the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. In his rookie season in 2013, Nishikawa batted .292 with 10 home runs and 58 RBI.
In 2014, Nishikawa batted .269 with 9 home runs and 49 RBI. Nishikawa was named to the Japan National Team for the 2015 Baseball World Cup. In the 2016 season, Nishikawa batted .269 with 10 home runs and 53 RBI.
In the 2017 season, Nishikawa batted .284 with 11 home runs and 57 RBI. In the 2018 season, Nishikawa batted .291 with 12 home runs and 61 RBI. Nishikawa was named to the Japan National Team for the 2019 Baseball World Cup.
Nishikawa is a two-time winner of the Pacific League MVP Award (2013, 2017). Nishikawa was originally drafted by the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in the 3rd round of the 2016 NPB Draft. Nishikawa made his NPB debut with the Carp in March of 2016.
In his debut season with the Carp, Nishikawa batted .295 with 45 home runs and 232 RBIs. Nishikawa is a left-handed hitter and has shown good power both at home and on the road. Nishikawa is a switch hitter and has shown good plate discipline, batting .348 with RISP.
Nishikawa is a young player with a lot of potential who is looking to improve on his rookie season. Nishikawa is a versatile player who can play both center and left field. Nishikawa is a member of the Japanese national team and is looking to help Japan win the 2020 World Cup.
Nishikawa is a young player with a lot of potential who is looking to improve on his rookie season.
39. Tomohiro Abe
Infielder
Tomohiro Abe is a 33-year-old infielder who was born in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan. Abe played for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in the Japanese Professional Baseball League (JPL).
Abe was called up to the Hiroshima roster in 2016 and made his debut the following year. Abe has batted left and thrown right-handed. In 2018, Abe was named a JPL Most Valuable Player.
Abe is a six-time JPL All-Star. Abe has played in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) twice, both times representing Japan. Abe is currently a free agent and is seeking a new contract.
Tomohiro Abe is a hard-hitting infielder who is looking to continue his success in the Japanese Professional Baseball League.
Tomohiro Abe was drafted by the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in the 8th round of the 2008 NPB draft. Abe made his professional debut with the Toyo Carp in June of 2011.
Abe has spent all of his professional career with the Toyo Carp. Abe has been a consistent contributor for the Toyo Carp, batting average wise. He has hit over 25 home runs in each of his five seasons with the team.
Abe has also been a force at the plate in RBIs, hitting over 160 in each of his five seasons with the Toyo Carp. Abe is a valuable part of the Toyo Carp lineup, and is a fan favorite. Abe is expected to continue his success with the Toyo Carp in the 2021 season.
40. Yuta Shirahama
Catcher
Career
- Batting average: .158
- Home runs: 1
- Runs batted in: 7
Shirahama was born in Osaka, Japan in 1985. He played for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in Nippon Professional Baseball from 2007 to 2016. He was a catcher and bats right-handed.
He had a .283 batting average with 158 home runs and 540 RBI in 1,564 games played. He won the Japan Series with the Toyo Carp in 2016. He signed a one-year contract with the Seattle Mariners in December 2016.
He made his debut with the Mariners on April 6, 2017. He was released by the Mariners on July 6, 2017. He signed a one-year contract with the Yokohama BayStars in December 2017. Shirahama is a shortstop who made his professional debut with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in 2011.
He has spent his entire career with the Carp, and has been a mainstay at the position. In 2019, he led the Carp in hits, batting average, and home runs. He has been a valuable contributor both offensively and defensively, and is considered one of the best shortstops in the league.
He is a popular player with the fans, and is known for his strong work ethic. He is looking to continue his success in 2020, and is poised to be a key player for the Carp. He is a talented player, and is sure to contribute to the Carp for many years to come.
Final Words
The Hiroshima Toyo Carp are a professional baseball team based in the city of Hiroshima, Japan. Formerly known as the Softbank Hawks, they play in the Central League and were founded in 1946.
The current roster features several former major league players including Dan Uggla and Hiroki Kuroda.