OSAKA - Orix Buffaloes closer and former major leaguer Yoshihisa Hirano will finish his 21-year professional career at the end of this season, the Pacific League club said Sunday.
The 42-year-old right-hander became the fourth pitcher to reach 250 NPB saves in April 2025. He made just three appearances that season and has appeared twice this year while also serving as a pitching coach.
Hirano played three MLB seasons from 2018 to 2020, spending his first two with the Arizona Diamondbacks and his last with the Seattle Mariners, and went 9-9 with eight saves in 150 appearances.
The Kyoto Prefecture native joined the Buffaloes in 2006, led the PL in saves in 2014, and is 56-78 with a 2.98 ERA in 702 NPB games.
He helped the Buffaloes to three straight PL pennants from 2021 after returning from the majors.
