FA System Mechanics
NPB's free agency was introduced in 1993. Domestic FA requires 8 years of first-team registration (7 for college/corporate players), overseas FA requires 9 years. FA-exercising players negotiate freely with other teams. Acquiring teams must compensate former teams (player or monetary). Compared to MLB, NPB FA requires longer qualification periods with less player mobility.
FA Transfer History
NPB's most discussed FA transfer was Kiyohara's 1996 Giants move - Seibu's cleanup fulfilling his Giants dream became FA history's biggest news. Kanemoto's 2003 Hiroshima-to-Hanshin move contributed to Hanshin's championship. Arai's 2007 Hiroshima-to-Hanshin transfer angered Hiroshima fans. FA transfers represent player rights but can appear as betrayal to former fans, generating emotional debate.
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FA transfer drama books offer useful context
Hiroshima's FA Exodus
Hiroshima Carp most symbolizes FA's shadow. The financially modest citizen club repeatedly lost developed stars via FA: Kanemoto, Arai, Maru, Suzuki Seiya (MLB). Maintaining competitiveness became difficult. Hiroshima strengthened development to compensate, repeating the develop-lose-redevelop cycle. This problem fundamentally questions NPB's competitive balance versus player rights.
FA System Future
NPB FA debates will continue. The players' union seeks shorter qualification (targeting MLB's 6 years). Teams argue current periods protect development investment recovery. Posting system MLB transfers add complexity. NPB's FA system requires difficult design balancing player rights, team management, and league competitiveness.