Controversy as Seibu Fails to Protect Star Players Nakamura and Kuriyama

Decisive Blood Swap?

Could a blood transfusion be underway?

Two pitchers, Kōsei Takahashi (28) and Tatsuya Imai (27), are aiming to move to Major League Baseball this offseason via posting from the Seibu Lions.

Having finished fifth in the league this season, the front office went all out to reinforce the team, anticipating a large transfer fee.

“On November 28, they reached a contract agreement with outfielder Masashi Kuwahara (32), who became a free agent from DeNA, and on December 5, they announced the acquisition of infielder Issei Ishii (31).

Ishii is seen as a C-rank FA, meaning no cash or player compensation is involved, while Kuwahara, who earned an estimated ¥120 million this season, would be a B-rank player, allowing DeNA to request either cash or a player as compensation from Seibu,” said a former Seibu player.

Although Seibu was initially expected to acquire a pitcher, the FA reinforcements prioritized strengthening the batting lineup.

“After formally signing Kuwahara by the end of the year, Seibu will submit a list of players eligible to be selected by DeNA as compensation. Typically, the team protects core players or young players within their first few years. Consequently, veteran players often get left unprotected,” the former player explained.

Inside the team, rumors are circulating:

“Takumi Kuriyama (42), who declared he will retire after next season, and Tsuyoshi Nakamura (42), who has faced salary cuts for three consecutive years and is entering his 25th professional season, might be left unprotected.

Both are fan favorites and valuable veterans the team wants to keep as future managers or coaches. Kuriyama chose when to retire, but Nakamura could face a similar retirement crisis depending on his performance. Although it’s questionable whether either can contribute on the field, the possibility that DeNA could acquire them as role models for younger players is not zero.

When Hotaka Yamakawa (34) moved to SoftBank as an FA, Seibu selected nearly-retired Tsuyoshi Wada (44) as compensation,” said the former Seibu player.

Though Nakamura and Kuriyama haven’t seen much playing time, they still contribute to the team financially through merchandise sales.

“If either leaves, it would be a huge operational blow. Consequently, opinions were sharply divided between ‘We must protect these two, haven’t they learned from the Wada-style protection?’ and ‘To carry out a blood transfusion, we should protect more young players.’ The latter appears to have prevailed,” he said.

Come the new year, will Seibu fans hear screams of despair—or?