Nippon Professional Baseball’s Central League has unanimously voted to adopt the Designated Hitter rule starting in 2027. The 2026 season will be treated as a transition year, giving the six clubs in Japan’s senior circuit time to prepare for the change.
When the National League adopted the designated hitter in 2022, it seemed only a matter of time before the universal DH reached Japan. The Pacific League began using the DH in 1975, just two years after it was introduced by Major League Baseball’s American League. Since then, the DH has only been used in PL games. It has also been used in interleague or Japan Series games, when the PL side is the home team.
Support for the universal DH steadily grew among Japanese fans and players in recent years. Many pointed to the PL’s stronger performances in the All-Star Game and Japan Series over the past decade as evidence that having a DH provides a competitive edge. Former managers like Alex Ramirez and Tatsunori Hara were also vocal supporters of bringing the DH to the CL.
The real turning point came when the collegiate Tokyo Big 6 League, Kansai Big 6 League, and the Japan High School Baseball Federation announced they would adopt the DH starting next spring. That decision left the CL as the only notable amateur or professional league in Japan without it.
Alongside the DH, the “Ohtani Rule” will be implemented. This allows two-way players to remain in the lineup as the designated hitter even after leaving the mound.
NPB also announced plans to expand its replay review system by establishing a centralized replay center. This will be operated by a third-party independent of the stadium umpire crew, similar to MLB’s model.
The move comes after years of criticism that NPB’s replay system has fallen short of the higher standards seen in the KBO and MLB.
Additional potential changes, including a pitch clock, extra inning ghost runners, pickoff limits, and double first base, remain under discussion for future seasons.
