Two Japanese players are joining Dutch Hoofdklasse clubs for the 2018 season. It was already known that Shogo Nakashima is joining the De Glaskoning Twins. The 25-year-old right-hander has played three seasons for the Yakult Swallows organization (NPB). Last year he had an ERA of 4.41 for their farm team. He is succeeding Daisuke Yamashita in Oosterhout.
Reigning champion Curacao Neptunus also has added a Japanese player. Riki Saito is 24 years old and from Osaka. The left-hander played for Shiga United Baseball Club. He is supposed to strengthen the bullpen of Rotterdam also with sight towards the European Champions Cup.