Overview
The development player system was introduced to NPB in 2005. It allows teams to sign players outside the 70-man active roster limit for development in the farm system. Development players wear three-digit uniform numbers (100 and above) and are ineligible for first-team games. Earning active roster promotion is their primary goal, marked by receiving a two-digit number. Kodai Senga, drafted in the fourth round of the development draft by SoftBank, is the most famous success story, rising to become one of NPB's premier pitchers. Development contracts offer lower salaries, giving teams a cost-effective pipeline for future talent.