Giants Begin Pursuit of Hanshin’s Chikamoto—Massive Offer and Family Support on the Table

We just want hitters who can really hit

Hanshin outfielder Koji Chikamoto (30) reached the eligibility requirements for domestic free agency (FA) on August 19. A plan is reportedly underway for the Giants, led by manager Shinnosuke Abe (46), to acquire the Tigers’ hit machine with a massive investment.

Before the Chunichi game at Kyocera Dome Osaka on the 19th, Chikamoto commented on exercising his FA rights: “It’s still during the season, so I’m not thinking about it. If I have time, I’ll consider what to do.”

“After joining the pros via corporate baseball with Osaka Gas, he already had a family, so he commuted from home instead of living in the dorm. Even from his rookie year, he posted consistent results. He contributed significantly to the league championship and Japan Series win two years ago, and even this season, with the magic number in play, his contributions remain high,” said a former team official.

Foreseeing Chikamoto’s FA eligibility, the team offered him a multi-year contract last offseason, but he declined and signed a single-year deal worth an estimated 370 million yen.

“Generally, outfielders’ defense gradually declines after 30. If he’s going to earn with Hanshin, now is his peak. Being from Hyogo and having spent his student years in Kansai, I don’t think he’ll opt for an FA move,” added the source.

However, Hanshin staff reportedly remain uneasy, as the rival Giants are increasingly serious about acquiring him.

“Even though the Giants are currently in the Central League’s A class, the chance of them missing the title is over 90%. Even if they win the Japan Series via the Climax Series, they’d lose the league title. For a team used to constant success, offseason reinforcements are essential, particularly strengthening their hitters,” said a Central League scorer.

Manager Abe has apparently urged the front office to acquire hitters who can really hit.

“With Kazuma Okamoto (29) likely to challenge MLB this offseason or next, they want to strengthen the lineup. They plan to draft right-handed infielder Masahiro Tateishi from Soka University as their first pick and position him as the successor to third baseman Hayato Sakamoto (36). Currently, the only fixed outfielder is veteran Yoshihiro Maru (36), while Trey Cabbage (28) plays irregularly. In particular, the lineup lacks consistent top-order hitters, making Chikamoto an ideal target,” a Giants official said.

While overt acquisition efforts can’t happen mid-season, behind-the-scenes research continues.

“If Chikamoto wishes to transfer, family considerations could be a hurdle. However, the Giants have supported other players’ families with school fees and relocation costs. The budget is expected to be around a five-year, total 3-billion-yen contract,” the source added.

Securing Chikamoto would stabilize the leadoff spot and weaken a rival team’s lineup—a dual advantage reminiscent of strategies once employed by the Nagashima-era Giants.

Last offseason, the Giants attempted to acquire Hanshin’s key player Yusuke Oyama (30) but failed.

“Considering the money set aside for Oyama’s contract and future transfer fees from Okamoto, the Giants can afford to invest tens of billions in Chikamoto. The challenge lies in negotiating additional conditions. When Oyama declared FA last year, some radical Hanshin fans threatened his family, creating severe backlash. If Chikamoto moves, it could provoke equal or greater opposition. Protecting the player from abuse will also be a key issue for the Giants,” the official added.

Will things proceed according to the Giants’ plans?