How did SSG Landers manage to recruit pitcher Shota Takeda (32) from the Japanese national team.
Takeda himself wanted to try again as a starting pitcher, and the SSG club confirmed this through its network in Japan and quickly launched the recruitment.
SSG Landers (CEO Kim Jae-seop) said on the 16th, “As an Asian quarter player, I signed a contract with Shota Takeda (32 years old), a right-hander from the NPB Softbank Hawks, for an annual salary of $200,000.”
사진 확대 Photograph = SSG Landers
Many were surprised that they brought a veteran pitcher to the Asian quarter. In addition, Takeda is considered a better recruit because it is a resource that many clubs have been aiming for.
In fact, Takeda has proven his stable skills in 217 games with 66 wins, 48 losses and an ERA of 3.33 in 14 seasons in the NPB. In particular, he played a role in the team’s selection with 13 wins, 6 losses and 14 wins and 8 losses, respectively, in the 2015-2016 season, and also played for the 2015 Premier 12 and 2017 WBC Japan.
Having experienced both starting and bullpen at Softbank, he remained competitive in the 2023 season by taking the mound in 29 games (two starts) with an ERA of 3.91. He underwent rehabilitation after elbow surgery in April 2024, but is now in the process of successful recovery, with his arrest reaching 146 to 7 kilometers.
In addition, it is a type that evenly utilizes fast balls, curves, sliders, and fork balls with high RBIs based on excellent physical conditions, and in particular, large curves and fork balls against left-handed hitters are considered particularly powerful. SSG evaluates Takeda as a resource that can sufficiently take on one starting axis.
Until SSG recruited Takeda in the Asian quarter, there were careful observations and quick judgments. The SSG club explained the first process, saying, “The overseas scout part checked Takeda’s performance and physical condition himself, and Takeda, who has experience in starting Japanese professional baseball, was recruited amid the club’s quick response.” “On August 13, SSG Overseas Scouts watched the second-tier practice game between Hayate and Softbank after hearing from a Japanese acquaintance that Takeda will take the mound as Softbank’s starting pitcher.”
사진 확대 Photograph = SSG Landers
On the same day, Takeda pitched four scoreless innings, and the scout’s judgment was that the movement of breaking balls, including curves, was outstanding. In addition, the scout explained, “The maximum fastball speed was 147km, and the control was not perfect, but I was able to confirm the stable game management ability.” “Takeda’s balance was not perfect at the time, but his pitching sense was alive and he felt the experience.”
However, the SSG club judged that Takeda was a proven veteran with 66 wins in Japan at the time, and that he was unlikely to be released because he was a high-paid player. While negotiating with other candidates, the SSG Overseas Scout Team immediately contacted Takeda after learning that he was released from Softbank in October.
Takeda’s will played a major role. The SSG club said, “The reason why Softbank decided to release Takeda was to respect his ‘recy opportunity’,” adding, “Takeda was strongly willing to play as a starter, but there was no place in the team. He explained, “I actively accepted SSG’s proposal, saying, ‘I want to compete in Korea once again.’
Takeda’s fondness for Korea also affected his trip to SSG. Takeda, who frequently traveled to Korea and was familiar with culture and food, already had a favorable impression on Korea. SSG explained that he was ready to naturally melt into Korean life to the extent that he was on vacation in Korea even during the All-Star break last year.
사진 확대 Photograph = SSG Landers
SSG’s aggressive and fast movements were the background that enabled Takeda to be brought decisively. SSG explained, “Multiple KBO League clubs showed interest in Takeda’s recruitment, but SSG moved the fastest and signed the contract,” adding, “The background of securing pitchers with abundant starting experience in Japanese professional baseball was the field network and quick judgment.”
Takeda is also active for the second challenge. Rumor has it that he has already visited Korea at his own expense before signing the contract and carefully examined Incheon SSG Landers Field, clubhouse and training facilities. In addition, Takeda has already established his routine by checking the condition of the ground, the treatment device, and the location of the accommodation himself. He also plans to finish his move to Korea in December and focus on preparing for the season by building up his body in the U.S. before spring camp.
Regarding Takeda, SSG’s overseas scout said, “Takeda is very serious and has an exemplary attitude toward baseball. It will be a good example for young pitchers on our team. “I have a history of injury, but I plan to manage it in detail with the strength part, and I also have a relationship with coach Steve Hong, so I expect him to adapt quickly,” he said.
사진 확대 Photograph = SSG Landers
[Kim Wonik, MK Sports Reporter]