Bears bring back Japanese pitcher Takada for 2nd KBO season

The Doosan Bears have announced they will bring back Japanese pitcher Takuto Takada for his second season in South Korea. The 24-year-old left-hander has agreed to a new one-year contract worth US$220,000 as the club's Asian quota player.

Takada joined the Bears in late May, replacing another Japanese pitcher, Ichiro Tamura. Although Takada had a 0-1 record and a 8.76 ERA in his three starts, he performed better as a reliever. During the second half of the season, he led all relief pitchers with 40 innings pitched and posted a 1.58 ERA, placing him second among relievers with at least 30 innings.

Takada expressed his happiness at returning to the Doosan Bears for the 2027 season, stating, "I wanted to be back with the Doosan Bears for 2027 and I am happy to have realized that dream." He acknowledged that he struggled initially but credited the team's faith in him for his improved performance towards the end of the season.

Looking ahead to next year, Takada hinted at the possibility of becoming a starting pitcher, saying, "I don't know what kind of role I will take on next year but I think I should be prepared to become a starting pitcher next year." The Bears noted that Takada experienced a brief adjustment period in the KBO before settling in, and they anticipate an even stronger performance from him in the upcoming season.