Nakata Sho Discusses Next Season’s Stakes Following Manager Tatsunami’s Resignation

With the resignation of manager Kazuyoshi Tatsunami, the league’s worst scoring power, and the threat of finishing last for three consecutive years.

 

Since 2011, the Chunichi Dragons have been away from league championships for 13 years, and this season, they are still struggling to break free from their slump. The one who feels the weight of responsibility the most is likely the man entrusted with the fourth spot in the opening game: Sho Nakata (35), who joined Chunichi with a large two-year contract worth an estimated 600 million yen from the Giants. In response to the announcement of Manager Tatsunami’s resignation, Nakata answered the press after the September 20 game against Orix in the farm league as follows.

 

“I personally feel a deep sense of regret. I wasn’t able to be of help… It has turned out to be a disappointing year.”

 

Batting average: .100

It’s only natural that Nakata feels a sense of responsibility.

“Nakata received thorough instruction from Manager Tatsunami, who was a batting coach during the WBC in February 2013, creating a sort of ‘mentor-mentee relationship’ between the two. Tatsunami was eager to acquire Nakata, recognizing his abilities, and reportedly appealed directly to owner Uichiro Oshima, even calling Nakata himself to persuade him to join.

Manager Tatsunami appointed Nakata as the cleanup hitter right from the start of the season to serve as a catalyst for improving their scoring power. Initially, Nakata lived up to expectations, hitting .283 with two home runs and 12 RBIs in March and April, leading the lineup. The team reached first place for the first time in 2,891 days.” (According to a team official)

However, Nakata’s good form did not last long. After hitting his left foot with a foul ball during the May 15 game against Hanshin, his performance plummeted. Compounded by a worsening chronic back pain, he struggled in June with a batting average of .100, zero home runs, and only two RBIs, leading to his third demotion to the farm league in August.

“It’s true that he was expected to be a key player under Manager Tatsunami but failed to deliver results. Over the season, his statistics are a batting average of .217, four home runs, and 21 RBIs. In a sense, he is the ‘culprit’ of this season. I believe Nakata will feel the pressure next season after losing the support of Manager Tatsunami. It’s the final year of his contract, and it will definitely be a crucial season. The Chunichi Dragons will also have to make decisions. If Nakata continues to disappoint, they may consider cutting ties with him as a valuable asset.” (According to a sports newspaper reporter)

If he fails again next season, it could threaten his career as a player. If Nakata becomes a free agent from Chunichi, will there be any teams willing to offer him a chance? There are rumored destinations.

 

 

“If there’s a possibility, it could be his former team, Nippon Ham. He left the team in August 2021 after a violent incident, but the cooling-off period for his atonement can be considered over in a sense. Atsunori Inaba, who serves as the farm manager, and Hideki Kuriyama, responsible for team management and composition, appreciate Nakata’s character, which shows care for younger players. I don’t think it’s out of the question for Nippon Ham to provide a stage where Nakata can shine again.” (as previously mentioned)

 

Next season, Nakata will be in his late 30s. He faces a critical season to see if he can still bloom as a player and fulfill his role as a key player.