CPBL Foreign Players Updates Volume #353
TSG Hawks News: Onodera Kento
On November 7, the TSG Hawks’ general manager announced to the media that they have re-signed Onodera Kento (小野寺賢人) for the 2025 CPBL season. The 26-year-old Japanese right-hander will be returning for his second season in Taiwan.
Onodera Kento was one of the biggest surprises for the Hawks in 2024. Despite only having experience in the independent league, he exceeded all expectations, posting an impressive 2.31 ERA and 0.97 WHIP across nine games over 50.2 innings.
TSG Hawks’ Onodera Kento (小野寺賢人) gave up 1 run and struck out 3 across 7 innings. #CPBL pic.twitter.com/iWLOEQxpvj
— CPBL STATS 🪬🔮 (@GOCPBL) April 27, 2024
Unfortunately, his season was cut short when he sustained an elbow injury in June and was diagnosed with a tear in his right elbow ligament. Rather than opting for surgery, he chose PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) treatments and has been undergoing rehabilitation in Taiwan.
“I’ve started throwing long tosses up to 50 metres, and my current condition is about 70-80%,” Onodera Kento shared his rehab progress in a video on the Hawks’ YouTube channel. “My goal is to start bullpen sessions during the team’s fall camp, and I’ll do my best to get back on the field as soon as possible.”
In a TSNA interview in July, the Hawks’ general manager praised Onodera Kento not only for his performance this season but also for his positive presence in the clubhouse. “With him coming from an independent league, his journey has been an inspiring example for other Hawks players,” said the Hawks GM.