NPB: Nippon Professional Baseball predictions

Tigers poised for back-to-back victories

Under the leadership of Akinobu Okada, who returned as manager, the Hanshin Tigers clinched the Japan Series championship in 2023. They're well-positioned for another dominant run this year.

Kōji Chikamoto, last year's Finals MVP, boasted 14 hits during the series. This left-handed outfielder notched up 83 runs and slammed eight homers throughout the season. Another standout, pitcher Shōki Murakami, left his mark last season with an impressive 137 strikeouts in 22 games.

The Tigers, with odds of +334 to snatch the 2024 NPB title, have beefed up their pitching lineup by bringing in Javy Guerra, a Panamanian pitcher with a hefty MLB resume, including tenures with the San Diego Padres, Tampa Bay Rays, and Milwaukee Brewers, marking a significant acquisition.

Yusuke Ohyama shined with the bat in 2023, hitting 80 runs and 19 homers over 143 matches, marking his most successful season to date.

Orix braced for significant loss

The Orix Buffaloes' roster faced a major shake-up with the exit of ace pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto to the Major League Baseball. Despite this significant loss, the defending Pacific League champions remain robust enough to contend.

With odds of +351 to clinch their sixth Japan Series title in 2024, Orix is lauded as one of the league's best-managed teams, with a knack for scouting talent, especially pitchers to fill any voids.

Hiroya Miyagi, at the tender age of 22, is expected to play a pivotal role in Yamamoto's absence, showcasing his talent as a left-handed pitcher increasingly over the last three seasons.

He's complemented by 21-year-old right-hander Shunpeita Yamashita, who amassed 101 strikeouts in his debut season.

On the offensive front, Yuma Tongu topped the Pacific League with a .307 batting average last season, along with 16 home runs, 123 hits, and 49 runs.

Yomiuri's managerial shake-up to spur revival

The Yomiuri Giants' decision to replace Tatsunori Hara with ex-catcher Shinnosuke Abe as manager marks one of the significant managerial shifts this offseason.

After a period of underachievement, the Giants, with odds of +647, are aiming to contend for the title in 2024, especially after finishing fourth in the Central League last season, despite leading NPB in home runs.

In a strategic move, Yomiuri traded pitcher Adam Walker to the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, acquiring Rei Takahashi in return to strengthen their game-closing capabilities. They also welcomed right-handed pitcher Taisuke Kondoh from Orix, alongside drafting additional players to reinforce their bullpen.

Kazuma Okamoto, a five-time NPB All-Star, will be crucial to the Giants' aspirations, having led the league with 41 home runs in 140 games last season.

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