D-backs announce partnership with NPB’s Yokohama DeNA Baystars

On Thursday, the Diamondbacks announced that they are entering a working agreement with the Yokohama DeNA Baystars of Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan.

According to the team, the two organizations will exchange non-uniformed personnel and information regarding things such as scouting, player development and roster management as part of the deal.

“We are thrilled about this working agreement because it covers both the baseball and business side of our franchises,” D-backs president and CEO Derrick Hall said in a press release about the partnership. “We have great relationships throughout Japan and we are looking forward to not only sharing our own best practices with the Baystars but to learn from them as well.”

The two teams will also work together on things such as marketing, stadium operations and fan experience.

“This agreement with Yokohama will allow both teams to share information as we look to optimize all facets of our baseball operations,” D-backs executive vice president and general manager Mike Hazen said. “From a global perspective, the ability to share with and learn from each other provides a unique opportunity to diversify the way we think, evaluate and coach.”

“I am very happy to announce this working agreement with the Arizona Diamondbacks,” Baystars general manager Kazuaki Mihara said. “The franchise has been successful not just with their talented players, but with running an organization. In particular, I am impressed with the D-backs because of their advanced thought process and innovative approach and look forward to working with them and learning from them in order to further grow as an organization.”