Katsunori Hirai
| Katsunori Hirai | |
|---|---|
Hirai with the Saitama Seibu Lions | |
| Algodoneros de Unión Laguna | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: December 20, 1991 Ichinomiya, Aichi, Japan | |
Bats: Right Throws: Right | |
| NPB debut | |
| May 27, 2017, for the Saitama Seibu Lions | |
| NPB statistics (through 2025 season) | |
| Win–loss | 29–25 |
| ERA | 3.39 |
| Strikeouts | 353 |
| Stats at Baseball Reference | |
| Teams | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
Katsunori Hirai (平井 克典, Hirai Katsunori; born December 20, 1991) is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher for the Algodoneros de Unión Laguna of the Mexican League. He has previously played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Saitama Seibu Lions.
Career
Saitama Seibu Lions
Hirai was selected in the 5th round in the 2016 Nippon Professional Baseball draft by the Saitama Seibu Lions. In the 2019 NPB season, Hirai appeared in 81 games, breaking the Pacific League Record for most games pitched, previously held by Kazuhisa Inao.[1]
In 350 total appearances for the Lions across parts of eight seasons, Hirai compiled a 29-25 record and 3.39 ERA with 353 strikeouts over 459 innings of work.
Algodoneros de Unión Laguna
On January 4, 2026, Hirai signed with the Algodoneros de Unión Laguna of the Mexican League.[2]
References
- ^ "パ最多記録更新！西武・平井が８１戦登板". SANSPO.COM（サンスポ） (in Japanese). 2019-09-25. Retrieved 2019-11-12.
- ^ "LMB: Movimientos en listas de reserva - 4 de enero de 2026". lmb.com.mx (in Spanish). Retrieved January 5, 2026.
External links
- Career statistics from Baseball Reference (Minors)
- NPB.com