Japan Series Contenders: Who Looks Like a Champion in 2025?
As summer turns to fall, the NPB stretch run is packed with intrigue. The Central League has a clear pace-setter, while the Pacific League is a coin flip at the top. Here’s a quick, skimmable rundown of who looks built for October.
Central League — Tigers in Front, Giants Lurking
| Rank | Team | W | L | PCT | Last 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hanshin Tigers | 73 | 44 | .624 | W7 |
| 2 | Yomiuri Giants | 57 | 60 | .487 | W2 |
| 3 | Yokohama DeNA BayStars | 54 | 60 | .474 | L3 |
| 4 | Hiroshima Carp | 53 | 59 | .473 | W1 |
| 5 | Chunichi Dragons | 53 | 62 | .461 | L4 |
| 6 | Yakult Swallows | 41 | 66 | .383 | L2 |
- Hanshin Tigers: 2023 champs with elite pitching (Shoki Murakami) and clutch bats (Koji Chikamoto, Shota Morishita). A seven-game heater underscores their depth and October readiness.
- Yomiuri Giants: Sub-.500 overall, but a seasoned core and a hot Tomoyuki Sugano make them a dangerous short-series opponent.
- BayStars & Carp: Offense can catch fire; credible upset threats if the pitching holds together.
Pacific League — Fighters vs. Hawks, Neck and Neck
| Rank | Team | W | L | PCT | Last 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters | 70 | 44 | .614 | W5 |
| 2 | Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks | 70 | 42 | .625 | W6 |
| 3 | Orix Buffaloes | 58 | 53 | .523 | L2 |
| 4 | Rakuten Eagles | 54 | 59 | .478 | W3 |
| 5 | Seibu Lions | 52 | 60 | .464 | L4 |
| 6 | Lotte Marines | 42 | 68 | .382 | L8 |
- Fighters: Best team ERA, fronted by Hiromi Itoh, with pop from Kotaro Kiyomiya. Surprise story with real bite.
- SoftBank Hawks: Deepest roster in NPB, veteran lineup (Ryoya Kurihara) and elite defense. If Hanshin stumbles, Hawks could own the league’s best record.
- Orix Buffaloes: Rotation with title pedigree (Hiroya Miyagi, Shunpeita Yamashita) gives them a puncher’s chance in any series.
X-Factors & Players to Watch
- Shoki Murakami (Tigers): Sawamura-caliber ace who can tilt a series.
- Hiromi Itoh (Fighters): Dominant righty; could be October’s difference-maker.
- Ryoya Kurihara (Hawks): Power bat with postseason chops.
- Kotaro Kiyomiya (Fighters): Breakout slugger fueling a surprise pennant push.
Who’s Built for October?
- Most complete: Hanshin and SoftBank — depth, stars, and defense.
- Best sleeper: Fighters — young core + elite pitching is a classic Cinderella recipe.
- Live arms: Orix and Giants have enough frontline pitching to spring an upset.
Prediction: Tigers or Hawks carry the favorites tag, but don’t be shocked if the Fighters ride their momentum all the way to the 2025 Japan Series.