Should Yakult Extend Kihada Now? Swallows Split Over Securing Next Season’s Closer

Osuna and Santana set a precedent

The Yakult Swallows, relying heavily on young players, have energized the Central League during the first half of the season. Although they have begun to run out of steam, with more losses than wins since July, the club is reportedly considering a major contract extension as a way of adding fuel for the second half.

“Even Yakult alumni were largely predicting a last-place finish before the season began, but the team has completely defied those expectations because Manager Toshihiro Ikeyama has continued to boldly give opportunities to the young players he had been keeping an eye on since his days managing the farm team. With every player starting on equal footing and the regular positions effectively up for grabs, it was impressive to see them competing with a sense of urgency to secure their spots.” (Former team official)

After last season’s dismal 79-loss campaign, in which neither the pitching nor the offense had much to offer, the team has enjoyed a major boost this year from left-handed pitcher José Quijada (30), who has experience as a closer during his time in the majors and has been working full-time in the role since Opening Day.

“With his high-quality fastball-heavy pitching, he has recorded 21 saves, second-most in the league. From 2019 through 2022, Scott McGough (36) served as the team’s closer, followed by Reito Taguchi (30) in 2023. But over the past two years, the team has struggled to find a stable closer. Depending on the team’s overall performance, if he maintains this pace, he could potentially reach 40 saves.” (Same source)

Kihada is currently on a one-year contract worth an estimated ¥133 million, but the club is already looking ahead to next season and is reportedly making moves to finalize an extension before the current season ends.

“Yakult has previously announced contract extensions for José Osuna (33) and Domingo Santana (33) during the 2024 season. Similarly, the club is looking to announce an extension for Kihada as early as after the All-Star break or in early August. Including performance bonuses, he could earn close to ¥200 million this year, so negotiations with his agent are likely to center on a multiyear deal worth at least ¥200 million annually.” (Team source)

However, the club is hardly in a position of financial abundance.

“Tetsuto Yamada (34), who signed a multiyear contract with an annual salary of ¥500 million, suffered an injury to the back of his left thigh during the June 13 game against Oisix and was sidelined. Although he was scheduled to return on July 10, that comeback has once again been postponed. José Osuna, who likewise earns ¥375 million annually, has struggled at the plate and was sent down to the farm team for a second adjustment period of the season on July 6.” (Same source)

Moreover, his recent struggles have prompted some within the organization to question whether extending his contract now would be premature.

“He is second in the league in saves, but his 3.27 ERA and five losses indicate a lack of consistency. Early in the season, he was able to overpower hitters with his fastball, but there are concerns about whether that approach will continue to work in the second half now that hitters have become more accustomed to it. In fact, some senior club executives are putting the brakes on the idea, and there is a possibility that the planned contract extension could be scrapped.” (Team staff member)

With the Swallows looking to rejoin the championship race against the Hanshin Tigers and Yomiuri Giants, the club is being forced to make a difficult decision.