Overview
The batting order defines the sequence from 1st through 9th, reflecting the manager's tactical philosophy. Traditionally, the leadoff hitter has high OBP and speed, the 3rd hitter combines average and power, and the cleanup (4th) spot belongs to the team's premier power hitter. In NPB, the cleanup spot has long carried particular cultural weight as the face of the team. In recent years, placing a strong hitter in the 2nd spot has gained traction. The traditional notion of the 2nd hitter as a sacrifice bunt specialist was long widespread, but some point out that it is no longer settled orthodoxy. In the Central League, where pitchers take a turn in the order (usually 9th) through the 2026 season, the 8th hitter's role becomes unique as a bridge between the bottom and top of the order. The Pacific League's DH rule allows all nine lineup spots to be filled by hitting specialists, eliminating weak spots. The Central League has also formally decided to adopt the DH from the 2027 season, so this difference between the two leagues lasts only through the 2026 season (as of September 2026). Lineup construction is regarded as affecting run production, and advances in data analytics continue to refine optimal batting order theory.