Behind the Bitter Trade, Chairman Oh’s Strong Opposition and the Addition of Richard, Yuto Akihiro, and Ryusei Oe

He was highly anticipated by numerous stars

SoftBank infielder Richard Sunakawa (25) was traded for Giants infielders Yuto Akihiro (22) and pitcher Ryusei Oe (26) in a one-for-two exchange on May 12.

Richard joined SoftBank in 2017 as a third-round developmental draft pick out of Okinawa Shogaku High School. In his third professional year, he made a name for himself by leading the Western League in home runs and RBIs.

“As a homegrown player, with veterans like Yuki Yanagita (36) and Kenta Imamiya (33) getting older, the team had high expectations for him as a 20-something high school graduate to carry the next generation. Sadaharu Oh, the team’s chairman and director (84), was among those hoping for his success, often expressing during training camps, ‘I hope he can really make it,’” said a professional baseball reporter.

In recent years, he trained independently with fellow Okinawan Hotaka Yamakawa (33), and this season, he showed strong determination by doing intense special defensive training and batting practice that made him sweat nervously.

“Maybe his dedication reached manager Hiroki Kokubo (53), as Richard started the opening game as the eighth batter and third baseman. But over six games as a starter, he managed only two hits, with a batting average of .091 and 12 strikeouts. After the game on April 4, the manager bluntly said, ‘Richard’s time is over,’ and the next day, he was removed from the first team roster to undergo recalibration in the farm team,” the reporter added.

Richard, praised by regulars like Yanagita and Yamakawa for his amazing abilities, had trade offers from other teams once it became clear he wasn’t thriving in the first squad.

“His release was just a matter of time. However, the Hawks’ front office never agreed to the trade,” said a Hawks insider.

Despite numerous chances, Richard couldn’t seize the opportunity. While a trade seems a natural outcome in the meritocratic world of professional baseball, the story is more complicated.

Chairman Oe strongly opposes

Chairman Sadaharu Oh and Kenji Jojima, CBO (48), were strongly opposed. In particular, Chairman Oh likes players who can hit the ball far no matter what. He believes that distance is innate, and technique comes later with effort.

He was captivated by Richard’s potential. That’s why he insisted at all costs that it had to be Richard. Normally, it would be unthinkable for the Giants to give up Akihiro, who far surpasses Richard in achievements.

Still, the Giants, missing their main hitter Kazuma Okamoto due to injury, wanted Richard as a right-handed power hitter. So they reluctantly offered Akihiro. There are rumors of discord between manager Shinnosuke Abe and Akihiro, but the reality is quite the opposite. It was a painful decision for the Giants and also showed Abe’s affection toward Akihiro, who hadn’t had many opportunities to play (according to a Pacific League team official).

Considering the history of transfers in NPB, the trade of Akihiro and Richard can be said to be a balanced deal.

In fact, many fans say, “It was lucky to get Akihiro by giving up Richard.” So why did Oe also end up moving to SoftBank?

“From the front office’s perspective, just getting Akihiro was a huge win. But Chairman Oh and Jojima still weren’t satisfied. The Giants, rejected on a one-for-one trade, added Oe, a left-handed reliever with a solid record, as a bonus to finally reach an agreement,” said the same source.

Richard made a big impact in his first game after joining the Giants, including a home run and two hits. Will Akihiro and Oe continue their good performance as well?