2026.1.30

The Tokyo Giants’ newest additions — pitcher Forrest Whitley, Spencer Howard, Bryan Mata, and infielder Bobby Dalbec — held a press conference in Tokyo on January 30, where they spoke about their impressions of the team and their enthusiasm for a new challenge.

Whitley, a 28-year-old right-hander from the United States who is expected to be part of the starting rotation, played last season in Major League Baseball with the Houston Astros and the Tampa Bay Rays. Smiling, he said, “I’ve known about the Giants since I was a kid and always dreamed of playing for a team like this. I was truly excited to receive the offer.” Asked about his strengths, he commented, “I can throw all of my pitches for strikes, and I’m confident in my stamina.” Looking ahead to the new season, he emphasized, “The most important thing is the number of appearances. If I stay healthy for the entire year, the results will follow.”

Howard, who pitched in nine games for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles in 2025 and posted a 5–1 record with a 2.22 ERA, highlighted his pitching style by saying, “As a finesse pitcher, I can disrupt hitters’ balance.”

Mata, a 26-year-old from Venezuela, appeared in 42 games last season for the Boston Red Sox’s Triple-A affiliate, posting a 3–3 record with two saves and a 5.08 ERA. When asked about his strengths, he cited “a powerful fastball.” Addressing the fans, he added, “I’ve heard Giants fans are number one. I want to give 100 percent of my effort for them.”

Dalbec, a 30-year-old right-handed hitter expected to be a key run producer, played for the Chicago White Sox last season and also appeared in 105 Triple-A games across three organizations, batting .269 with 24 home runs and 82 RBIs. He shared an episode from his college days, revealing that he once read a book by Sadaharu Oh, a legendary former Giant, to improve his hitting. “I respect Mr. Oh and would love the chance to meet him and talk with him,” he said with excitement. When asked about his goals for the season, he did not cite specific numbers but expressed confidence, saying, “If I stay focused on every pitch and every at-bat, the results will naturally come.”