Rakuten Monkeys Sign Two Foreign Hitters with Asian Baseball Experience

The Rakuten Monkeys are bolstering their roster for the 2026 season by signing two foreign players with significant experience in Asian professional baseball. Ronnie Dawson and Adam Walker are set to join the team, bringing a wealth of talent and a history of strong performance.

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We have reached a consensus with foreign fielders Ronnie Dawson and Adam Walker to join the team.

Dawson, 31, a left-handed hitter, has played in both the US minor leagues and Major League Baseball, and most recently showcased his abilities in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). In two seasons with the Kiwoom Heroes, he batted .332 with a .399 on-base percentage and a .488 slugging percentage, accumulating 203 hits, 45 doubles, 14 home runs, and 86 RBIs. In 2024, he continued to perform well in the KBO before a knee injury ended his season early. He has since demonstrated his recovery in the Atlantic League, hitting .581 with 8 home runs and 28 RBIs in 31 games, also taking on coaching responsibilities.

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Both foreign fielders have experience in professional baseball in the United States and Asia.

Walker, 34, a right-handed hitter, brings experience from multiple MLB organizations and a stint in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) with the Yomiuri Giants. In his first NPB season in 2022, he hit .271 with 23 home runs and 52 RBIs. He has continued to show power in Japan's secondary league, hitting .538 with 13 home runs and 33 RBIs in 55 games this season.

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We expect that the addition of these two players will enhance the team's outfield depth and batting power, serving as an important part of the reinforcement for the second half of the 2026 season.

The Monkeys highlighted the players' Asian baseball experience, hitting abilities, and immediate impact potential. Dawson is noted for his consistent performance and positive attitude in the KBO, while Walker is recognized as a power hitter with a proven track record in NPB. Both players expressed strong interest in joining the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL), with Dawson already reporting to the team and Walker expected to join after completing administrative procedures. The team anticipates that these new additions will significantly boost their offensive capabilities and competitive energy for the upcoming season.

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Dawson has shown stable results in the KBO with excellent offensive stability and a passionate, positive personal character.