Ono Daiki's transfer to the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants to reunite with teammate Masahiro Tanaka is described as "highly meaningful."

The 35-year-old Japanese pro pitcher Ono Daiki used his overseas free agent option last offseason but decided to stay in NPB, transferring from the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles to the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants. He showed up on January 24 at the Giants’ training ground in Kawasaki for the first time, and is expected to resume his role as a starter next season. Ono Daiki expressed his determination to fight hard for a place in the starting lineup.

Ono Daiki spent thirteen seasons with Rakuten, winning the Pacific League Rookie of the Year award in 2013. He then led the league in strikeouts for five consecutive years and was selected to the All-Star team six times. For the first decade of his career, he was a key starting pitcher for the team. In 2024, following closer Yūki Matsui’s move to MLB, Ono transitioned to a relief role and earned the Pacific League saves title. During his time with Rakuten, he appeared in 373 games, compiling a 120-99 win-loss record with 48 saves.

Last offseason, although Ono Daiki considered pursuing a challenge in Major League Baseball, he ultimately signed a three-year contract worth 1.3 billion yen (approximately 63 million RMB) with the Yomiuri Giants. This reunion brought him back together with his senior teammate, “God’s Child” Masahiro Tanaka, who helped Rakuten win the 2013 Japan Series championship. The two reunited at the Giants’ stadium on the 24th.

Ono Daiki said, "Senpai Tanaka has always been someone I’ve aspired to follow. I never imagined we would wear the same team uniform again and play side by side. It feels like fate, and I’m truly happy." He admitted that his career is nearing its final stages, adding, "To fight alongside him during this journey is incredibly meaningful."

After serving as the closer for Rakuten over the past two years, Ono Daiki joined the Yomiuri Giants for the new season, where manager Shinnosuke Abe hopes he will return to a starting pitcher role. Ono acknowledged the fierce competition for starting spots within the team, including from Masahiro Tanaka and many younger players, saying, "I will do my utmost to earn a place in the starting rotation."