Cuban slugger Dayán Viciedo will not return to the Chunichi Dragons for the 2025 season after spending nine seasons with the team, according to reports. The 35-year-old, who has been a key figure in the Dragons’ lineup since joining the club in 2016, is now in discussions with at least four other NPB teams as he explores free agency.
During his time with Chunichi, Viciedo posted a .287 batting average, hitting 139 home runs and driving in 549 RBIs. He made his mark as one of the top foreign players in the league, winning two Central League Best Nine awards and capturing the 2018 CL batting title. Viciedo was also selected to three All-Star teams.
On September 24, 2023, Viciedo collected his 1,000th NPB hit—an infield single off Hiroto Saiki of the Hanshin Tigers. This milestone made him the 317th player in NPB history to reach 1,000 hits and the first foreign player in Chunichi Dragons’ history to do so.
With several teams reportedly interested in his services, If he returns to NPB, Viciedo is expected to continue making a strong impact with his experience and consistent performance.