Giants Appoint Lee Seung-Yeop as Batting Coach, Sending Final Warning to Manager Abe

Drinking buddies during their playing days

The Giants, eager to reclaim the championship next season, announced on November 27 that Lee Seung-Yeop (49), who participated in the autumn camp as a temporary coach, would become the first-team hitting coach.

For Manager Shinji Abe (46), entering the 2026 season—the third year of his three-year contract—with his back against the wall, the new partner has finally been decided.

“This year, Tomohiro Nioka (49), first-team head and hitting chief coach, served as the manager’s chief advisor. However, after the team was eliminated in the first stage of the Climax Series, his departure was immediately decided. Both the team and Abe wished for him to stay, but Nioka’s strong intention led to his exit.

Nioka was brought in as head coach by team executives who understood his relationship with Manager Abe. He served as a buffer between the often-isolated manager and the players, but over time, he became disillusioned with Abe’s authoritarian style, which reportedly led to his offseason departure,” said a team official.

On November 23, an event seemingly added pressure to Abe’s already difficult situation.

“At a talk show following the Fan Festa that day, featuring members of the 2002 Japan championship team, former player Kazuhiro Kiyohara (58) made a significant comment about Hideki Matsui (51) possibly becoming a future manager: ‘I’d like to see that day come someday.’ While Kiyohara likely meant it as encouragement, people behind the bench were concerned, saying, ‘Talking about the next manager in front of Abe.’”

To support Manager Abe, the team brought in a “Korean hero” who played in Japan from 2004 to 2011 with Lotte, the Giants, and Orix.

“Lee Seung-Yeop and Manager Abe have been close, even as drinking buddies during their playing days, and Lee is highly respected. Having played eight years in Japan, he communicates well with Japanese players.

There are whispers among fans about him being a bunt enthusiast, which worries some, but there’s no doubt he was an elite hitter. At the same time, Lee’s appointment is a drastic measure. By bringing in Abe’s ally with only one year left on the manager’s contract, the team is essentially saying, ‘If this doesn’t work, then the manager himself should step down.’ It’s a sort of final warning,” said another team insider.

Beloved by fans, “Seung-chan” now holds the key to the Giants’ success or failure.