Takahiro Norimoto Introduced as a Tokyo Giants Pitcher

2026.1.19

Pitcher Takahiro Norimoto, who exercised his free agency rights to transfer from the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, held his introductory press conference after officially joining the Tokyo Giants. He set his goals for the 2026 season as reaching the qualifying innings threshold and earning double-digit wins. Norimoto will wear uniform number 43.

Norimoto was selected in the second round of the 2012 NPB Draft and began his professional career with the Eagles. Over his career, he has recorded 120 wins and 48 saves. In his rookie season, he was named the Opening Day starter despite being a first-year player and played a key role in leading the Eagles to the first league championship and Japan Series title in franchise history. He was also honored with the Rookie of the Year Award that season.

Beginning in his second season, Norimoto captured the Pacific League strikeout title for five consecutive years. In 2017, he set an NPB record by recording double-digit strikeouts in eight consecutive games—an extraordinary achievement accomplished in MLB by only two pitchers, Pedro Martínez and Chris Sale!

We are pleased to welcome “Nori” to the team.