Baseball: Japan's Central League to adopt DH in 2027

⏳ TL;DR

• Japan's Central League will adopt the designated hitter (DH) rule starting in 2027
• Decision made by all six CL clubs at a Tokyo board meeting
• Pacific League has used DH since 1975; this marks a major shift for Japanese baseball
• Former players and fans expect more offense and better pitcher focus

✍️ The Story

In a move that could reshape Japanese baseball, the Central League announced it’s finally embracing the designated hitter rule—starting in 2027. After decades of resisting the change, the league’s six teams gathered in Tokyo to make history, signaling that even the most traditional baseball cultures can evolve.

For years, the CL stood alone among major professional leagues worldwide in not allowing a player to bat in place of the pitcher—a rule that’s been standard in MLB, South Korea, and international competitions like the World Baseball Classic. But now, with the Pacific League already using DH since 1975, the CL is catching up to global trends.

"It's important to take a flexible approach to global trends," said NPB Commissioner Sadayuki Sakakibara, who once led Japan’s powerful business federation. "This is a major step toward NPB’s future."

The decision isn’t just about rules—it’s about how the game feels. Former slugger Takeshi Yamasaki, who played in both leagues, sees it as a chance to boost scoring: "The way runs are scored will change. Baseball is pretty much about hitting."

Some pitchers may miss their at-bats—like Rakuten Eagles’ Masaru Fujii, who admitted he loves stepping up to the plate during interleague games. But many others see the benefit: clearer focus on pitching, higher velocity, and fewer injuries from overuse. As one coach put it: "By having the DH, the Pacific League saw the level of pitchers and their velocity go up."

This shift also aligns with changes in youth baseball—college and high school levels in Japan will introduce the DH next year. It’s a sign that the whole ecosystem is moving forward.

🔥 Why It Matters

• This is a cultural milestone for Japanese baseball, long seen as conservative
• Could lead to more exciting, high-scoring games and better pitcher health
• May influence other leagues globally to reconsider their stance on DH

🔗 How It Connects

• The Pacific League has successfully used DH since 1975
• International events like WBC already use DH, making Japan’s adoption more consistent with global standards
• Youth baseball in Japan is also adopting DH in 2026, showing a generational shift https://www.npb.co.jp/english/