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Even on a seemingly quiet offseason day, the Giants fanbase was buzzing.
From Rei Takahashi’s future to rising farm prospects and subtle hints of roster moves, December 4 delivered plenty to unpack. Here’s your complete, easy-to-read roundup of Giants news across the first team, farm system, and offseason rumor mill.

The Giants wrapped up the 2025 season at 70–69–4, narrowly missing the Climax Series. But preparations for 2026 are already in motion. Let’s dive into everything that surfaced on December 4.

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🔥 Top Story: Rei Takahashi’s Future Dominates Headlines

Seibu Lions Launch “Full-Scale Evaluation” of Former Giants Submarine Pitcher

Multiple outlets reported that the Seibu Lions are seriously considering acquiring Rei Takahashi (30), who was recently released by the Yomiuri Giants.
Nikkan Sports noted that Seibu is looking to “add a new type of starter to their thin rotation,” with Takahashi’s profile fitting their needs.

Why Seibu Is Interested — Quick SEO-Friendly Summary

• Rare submarine right-hander
• A power-type underhand pitcher who touches 152 km/h
• Strong match with Seibu’s pitching development staff
• Ability to work under Shunsuke Watanabe, the former Lotte submarine ace and current Seibu minor-league coach

On social media, fans reacted with a mix of excitement and nostalgia:

• “If Seibu can unlock his potential, he could be fun to watch.”
• “He didn’t thrive with the Giants, but the talent is there.”

For Giants fans, the move stings — but from a baseball perspective, it’s a compelling storyline.

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🔸 Hayato Sakamoto’s Viral “Real Talk” Quote

A comment Sakamoto made late in the season resurfaced and spread on X again:

“That’s not good enough. I need to be in the lineup for all four at-bats.”

Fans praised the sentiment as vintage Sakamoto:

• “This is why he’s a leader.”
• “Still hungry at 36 — love it.”

Sakamoto is clearly aiming to reclaim an everyday role in 2026, with offseason training becoming a hot point of discussion.

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⚾ Big-Picture Note: Giants’ 2026 Key Issue Is Starting Rotation Depth

With no official team activity on December 4, the Quiet Day™ was filled with speculation instead.

The 2025 rotation featured:

• Iori Yamasaki: 11 wins, 2.07 ERA
• Shohei Togo: Encouraging rebound in the second half
• Only 3–4 reliable starters overall

This is why Takahashi’s departure hurts, even if he struggled.

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🌱 Farm System Highlights: Breakout Candidates for 2026

Izumiguchi, Cabbage, and Martínez Highlight the Giants’ Rising Talent

Although the farm had no games on December 4, season recaps trended on social media.

Notable 2025 Farm Performers

• Yuta Izumiguchi (INF): .301 BA
• David Cabbage (OF): 17 HR
• Martínez (RHP): 46 saves

Izumiguchi in particular is drawing attention as a potential Opening Day surprise promotion thanks to his steady bat and strong defense.

Farm System Reputation: Among the Best in the Central League

Despite finishing mid-table, analysts praise the Giants for quality player development, especially in a 2025 season marred by first-team injuries.
The farm’s depth will be crucial for next season’s standings.

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📝 Other Topics: Rumors, FA Notes & Fan Conversation

Giants’ Offseason Moves Progressing Quietly but Steadily

Rumors on X suggested the Giants are still evaluating lefty pitcher Daiki Yamamoto, while fans also debated possible compensation players.

Clear needs for the 2025–2026 offseason include:

• More rotation depth
• A left-handed reliever
• Power in the outfield

Fan Community Snapshot — Relaxed but Engaged

Trending fan topics on December 4 included:

• Mixed emotions about Takahashi possibly joining Seibu
• A lighthearted “Attack on Titan” meme mix-up
• Endless debates about roster building (“We need outfield power!” “Give young players more chances!”)

A peaceful, offseason-vibes kind of day.

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🎯 Spotlight: Who Is Rei Takahashi? A Refresher for Search Readers

Profile

• Born: November 2, 1995
• 187 cm / 90 kg
• Submarine right-hander, touches 152 km/h
• Career path: SoftBank → Giants → Released (2025 offseason)

Giants Performance Review

2024 Season

• 11 games
• 2–3, 3.66 ERA
• Elite April performance (0.95 ERA)

2025 Season

• 13 games
• 1–3, 5.01 ERA
• Declining strike-zone command
• Farm: 6–6, struggled to gain momentum

Total with Giants: 24 games, 3–6
A pitcher with clear upside but inconsistent results at the first-team level.

Fan Sentiment (Summarized)

• “Submarine pitchers are pure baseball romance.”
• “He still has untapped potential.”
• “Learning under Watanabe at Seibu feels perfect.”

Most fans are rooting for a revival arc rather than a goodbye.

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🔍 SEO Keywords Included Naturally

• Giants December 4 news
• Rei Takahashi Seibu evaluation
• Giants farm system performance
• Hayato Sakamoto comments
• Giants offseason moves 2025–2026
• Submarine pitcher revival

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✨ Conclusion: A Quiet Day Filled with Clues About the Giants’ Future

Even without games, December 4 brought plenty for Giants fans to ponder —
Takahashi’s next chapter, Sakamoto’s leadership, promising farm talent, and subtle signs of offseason strategy.
All of these threads will shape what the 2026 Giants become.

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