Nippon Professional Baseball’s Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters have signed Franmil Reyes to an extension through the 2030 season, reportedly agreeing to a historic four-year contract worth up to $40 million (approximately ¥63-64 billion). The deal is fully guaranteed for Reyes.

“I'm very happy to be able to play for this team again,” Reyes said in his official statement. “I'm grateful to the fans and the organization for believing in me, and I'll continue to give my all next season. Thank you for your continued support."

First reported on Monday by Latin American insiders Mike Rodriguez and Edwin Hernandez Jr., the deal could be the largest in NPB history by total value. At a potential average annual value of $10 million, it would also make Reyes the highest-paid player in Japanese baseball history, though the exact salary structure and incentives have not been disclosed.

The 31-year-old Dominican has established himself as one of NPB's premier sluggers since arriving in Japan in 2024, following parts of six seasons in Major League Baseball. With 89 home runs across his first three NPB seasons, Reyes ranks second only to Teruaki Sato in long balls since 2024.

After initially struggling early in 2024, Reyes picked up steam in the second half and finished with 25 homers and a .912 OPS in his debut campaign. His production steadied in 2025, leading the Pacific League with 32 home runs and 90 RBI.

He followed that up with arguably his finest season in 2026, batting a career-best .313 with 32 homers, 82 RBI, and a .946 OPS across 128 games. He also captured his first batting title, giving him three major offensive crowns over the past two seasons. 


Reyes has become the centerpiece of a potent Fighters lineup under manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo. The 6-foot-5, 350-pound designated hitter almost certainly would have attracted considerable interest had he tested free agency.

The Central League's introduction of the designated hitter in 2027 could also have opened up a major bidding war. A return to MLB also could have been an option, given his sustained success as a top 10-caliber bat in NPB. 

However, Reyes, affectionately nicknamed “La Mole” or “The Thing,” has repeatedly made it clear that he wants to remain in Hokkaido. In an emotional post-game interview at Es Con Field on August 28, he described everyone in the Fighters organization as family and said he wished to stay with the team forever. He has also spoken about his desire to finish his career in Japan.

The extension represents a major commitment from Nippon-Ham as the club looks to secure its first pennant and Japan Series title since 2016. For Reyes, it provides long-term security through his age-34 season and a chance to cement his legacy as one of the defining foreign players of the 2020s, alongside the likes of Domingo Santana and Tyler Austin.