DeNA Faces Team Cohesion Questions After Departure of Masayuki Kuwahara

Kind for now

The DeNA team led by new manager Ryoji Aikawa (49) has struggled to find its rhythm since the start of the season.

“Manager Aikawa has been deliberately strict with players during camp to reset the team’s loosened atmosphere. When Ryuki Watarai (23), who was expected to secure a regular spot, was out of form in the preseason, he immediately ordered him to be readjusted in the second team, showing no mercy even to younger players.

He tends to hold long meetings with the coaching staff and listens to each department’s opinions, but apparently struggles to consolidate them due to his gentle personality. People around the team say, ‘It’s his first year and he’s still finding his footing, but as the person in charge on the field, we want him to develop the ability to make clearer decisions.’” (team OB)

The BayStars, under former manager Daisuke Miura (52), won the 2024 Japan Series after advancing through the Climax Series, claiming their first championship since 1998. At that time, it was Masashi Kuwahara (32), now playing for Seibu, who helped dispel concerns raised by OBs that the team lacked cohesion.

“Kuwahara, affectionately called ‘Kuwa’ by teammates, has been bright and energetic since joining the team and was well-liked by veterans. When camp training was tough or the team faced difficult situations in games, he would shout encouragement like ‘Let’s get energized!’ and actively push the team forward. He was a rare presence in BayStars history. The 2024 championship cannot be discussed without him.

However, the club pushed forward with generational changes in the outfield, including players like Watarai and Tatsuo Ebina (28), and at times seemed to undervalue Kuwahara’s contributions. That may have been one reason for his departure. It’s a major loss not only in terms of ability, but also because the team lost a key emotional pillar who helped unite players prone to individual play.” (same source)

To fill Kuwahara’s absence, manager Aikawa appointed Yoshitomo Tsutsugo (34) as captain for the first time in seven years.

“At last offseason’s contract renewal press conference, Tsutsugo said, ‘Those who don’t have a strong desire to win have no right to step onto the field,’ clearly trying to tighten the team in place of Kuwahara.

However, the DeNA roster is full of laid-back personalities, and some players reportedly struggle to keep up with Tsutsugo’s strictness. What is needed now is a mid-career player to support him, but some veterans are saying, ‘He’s kind now, but I still find Tsutsugo a bit intimidating due to his aggressive personality before his MLB challenge—it left a psychological impression.’ It’s a headache.” (team source)

The team has been improving, recording five consecutive wins since April 17, but without unity among the players, it will be impossible to win a long season.