New Doosan Bears pitcher Ichiro Tamura poses in entrance of the staff’s brand at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul, Thursday, after signing a contract with the Korea Baseball Group membership. Courtesy of Doosan Bears
The Doosan Bears signed Japanese pitcher Ichiro Tamura as their Asian quota participant for the 2026 season within the Korea Baseball Group (KBO).
The Bears stated Tamura, 31, signed a one-year contract value $200,000.
The correct-hander had pitched for the Saitama Seibu Lions in Japan’s Nippon Skilled Baseball (NPB) from 2017 to this 12 months after being chosen as No. 6 general within the 2016 draft.
The reliever has logged 182 2/3 innings over 150 profession NPB video games, going 4-2 with two saves, eight holds and a 3.40 ERA.
In 2025, Tamura had a 3.58 ERA over 27 2/3 innings with the Lions whereas additionally showing in 16 video games and recording seven saves because the nearer for the Lions’ minor league affiliate.
The Bears put him by means of a take a look at throughout their end-of-season coaching camp in Miyazaki, Japan, in November, and stated they preferred his fastball command throughout his bullpen session and dwell batting observe.
The Bears added that they see Tamura, along with his four-pitch mixture of a four-seam fastball, forkball, curveball and cutter, as a high-leverage reliever.
Beginning in 2026, KBO groups are allowed to signal a participant from an Asian nation or Australia, along with their normal lineup of three foreign-born gamers.
The Bears are the sixth staff amongst 10 KBO golf equipment to fill their Asian quota, leaving the NC Dinos, the Lotte Giants, the Kia Tigers and the Kiwoom Heroes nonetheless looking.
