NPB set to introduce PitchCom communication system next season

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) is set to introduce the PitchCom wireless communication system next season, a source with knowledge of the matter revealed on Monday. PitchCom, which enables catchers and pitchers to transmit signs swiftly without using hand signals, was previously adopted by Major League Baseball (MLB) in 2022 and was also utilized during the World Baseball Classic in March.

In preparation for the system's rollout at the highest level, NPB has conducted pilot tests of PitchCom in farm team games this season. The adoption of PitchCom remains optional, with additional trials scheduled during next year's spring training and preseason games. The move has garnered support from members of the Japan national team, who utilized the system during the WBC.

All 12 NPB clubs have expressed their backing for the introduction of a pitch clock, further aligning Japanese professional baseball with MLB and top-tier international competition, though the exact timing of the pitch clock's implementation remains unspecified.