SSG Landers recruited Shota Takeda, a former pitcher from the Japanese national team, through the Asian quarter system.
SSG Landers (CEO Kim Jae-seop) said on the 16th, “As an Asian quarter player, I signed a contract with Shota Takeda (32-year-old), a right-hander from the NPB Softbank Hawks, for an annual salary of $200,000.”
The veteran pitcher was brought to the Asian quarter. Takeda, from Miyazaki City, Japan, was selected by the Softbank Hawks in the first round of the 2011 NPB rookie draft, raising expectations early on. In his debut in the first division in July 2012, he made a strong first impression with a perfect pitch with one hit and no run in six innings.
사진 확대 Photograph = SSG Landers
In 14 seasons in the NPB, Takeda has proved his stable skills with a 66-48 ERA in 217 games. 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 completed his recovery by rehabilitating after elbow surgery in April 2024, and the SSG team manager confirmed that there was no problem with his recovery while observing the NPB 2nd division game in mid-August.
사진 확대 Photograph = SSG Landers
SSG explained, “We expect Takeda not only to be able to play the starting rotation immediately, but also to serve as a mentor for young pitchers based on thorough self-management and sincere attitude.”
In addition, Takeda is a type that evenly utilizes fast balls, curves, sliders, and fork balls with high RBIs based on excellent physical conditions, and is considered particularly powerful, especially large curves and fork balls against left-handed hitters.
Fast tempo pitching rhythm, sophisticated control, seasoned operation ability, and crisis management ability stemming from abundant first-team experience are also strengths.
After completing his contract, Takeda said, “I am grateful to SSG for paving the way for new challenges. I will do my best to be remembered as a player who contributes to the team’s victory by using my strengths,” he said. Takeda will join the squad at spring camp in January next year.
사진 확대 Photograph = SSG Landers
[Kim Wonik, MK Sports Reporter]