The 189cm Right-Hander Leaves the Giants Amid Norimoto’s FA Move
On January 23, 2026, the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles officially announced that they selected Chiharu Tanaka (25) from the Yomiuri Giants as a compensation player following the free-agent transfer of Takayuki Norimoto.
The Giants protected 28 players, but due to their exceptionally deep bullpen, the promising young right-hander Tanaka was left unprotected—ultimately paving the way for his move to Rakuten.
Who Is Chiharu Tanaka?
Chiharu Tanaka is a towering 189cm (6’2”) right-handed pitcher who joined the Giants as a 3rd-round pick in the 2022 NPB Draft out of Kokugakuin University.
Pitching Profile & Strengths
- Fastball topping out at 153 km/h (95 mph)
- Sharp, vertical-breaking forkball as his out pitch
- Effective cutter and slider
- Power pitcher primarily used in relief roles
At the NPB level, Tanaka has appeared in 33 games, posting a 2–3 record with a 4.91 ERA. While he earned opportunities during his rookie season, recent years saw him used mostly at the farm-team level.
Strong Evaluations Even After Surgery
Despite undergoing elbow surgery during the offseason, Tanaka delivered impressive results in the minors, recording an ERA in the 1.00 range.
With the Giants boasting one of the deepest bullpens in the league, it was difficult for Tanaka to secure consistent first-team innings—even when performing well.
Rakuten, however, is in the process of restructuring their relief corps, meaning Tanaka could see significantly more opportunities. A change of environment may be exactly what he needs to establish himself at the top level.
Tanaka Embraces the Challenge
Commenting on his move, Tanaka said:
“I want to take on this new challenge with a positive mindset.”
Rather than focusing on uncertainty, he clearly views the transfer as an opportunity—a mentality that resonates strongly with fans.
While some speculated that Rakuten might target more established names, the team ultimately chose upside over experience, betting on Tanaka’s long-term potential.
Final Take: A Breakout Opportunity in Rakuten Colors
- Buried in the Giants’ deep bullpen despite clear talent
- A rare combination of height, velocity, and a power forkball
- Proven ability even after returning from surgery
- Increased chances for appearances with Rakuten
In professional baseball, context and opportunity can change everything. With a fresh start and a clearer path to regular innings, Chiharu Tanaka has all the tools to flourish in Rakuten. How the Eagles deploy him will be one of the most intriguing storylines to watch going forward. ⚾
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