NC Dinos Signs Japanese Pitcher Natsuki Toda as Asian Quota Player: "Will Give My Best Every Moment"

NC Dinos has accelerated its efforts to strengthen its roster for the new season by signing right-handed pitcher Natsuki Toda (25), formerly of the Yomiuri Giants in Japan, as an Asian quota player.

On December 10, NC announced that it had signed Toda to a contract worth a total of $130,000 (including a $20,000 signing bonus, a $100,000 annual salary, and $10,000 in incentives).

Natsuki Toda. Photo by NC Dinos.

Toda, a native of Takahama, Aichi Prefecture, is a right-handed pitcher with a physique of 170 cm and 75 kg.

He throws a fastball that tops out at 150 km/h (with an average of 145 km/h) and also features a two-seam fastball, forkball, slider, curve, and cutter, earning praise for his solid control.

After being drafted by the Yomiuri Giants in 2021 and making his professional debut, he appeared in 19 games over three seasons in NPB's top league, pitching 27.2 innings with a record of 1 win, 1 loss, and an ERA of 5.53.

In the 2025 season, he made a comeback in the Eastern League, appearing in 35 games (including 7 starts), pitching 81.2 innings, with an ERA of 2.42, 73 strikeouts, and 14 walks, posting respectable numbers.

NC General Manager Lim Sun-nam stated, "Toda is a player the club has been monitoring for a long time, and he is ready to contribute immediately as both a starter and a reliever. During the test held in Changwon at the end of October, his control and pitch variety stood out. We expect him to be a great asset to our pitching staff in various roles."

When asked about joining the team, Toda said, "I am truly grateful to join NC Dinos. It is a great honor, and I am excited to begin this new challenge. I will do my best at every moment to help the team."

He also shared his impressions of Korean baseball and the KBO League, saying, "I have consistently followed the Korean national team through international tournaments such as the WBC. As a child, I was deeply impressed by the performances of Lee Daeho and Oh Seunghwan when they played in NPB. I also have some experience facing KBO teams during the Miyazaki Educational League and spring camp, so I am somewhat familiar with the atmosphere."

Regarding his goals for the new season, Toda emphasized, "I want to maintain my focus in every game I pitch and contribute to the team's victories. I am eager to help NC Dinos in their pursuit of a championship, and I will approach the season with a strong sense of responsibility as a member of the team."

Finally, he addressed the fans, saying, "To all NC Dinos fans, this is Natsuki Toda. I will always do my best for the team to repay your support. I ask for your enthusiastic support."

Toda is scheduled to join the NC squad at spring camp in Arizona, USA, where he will begin his full-fledged adaptation to the KBO.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.