Hello, Giants fans around the world!
As we move deeper into the offseason, October 24 brought a mix of draft-day excitement and the harsh reality of roster moves — a day that truly captures the essence of autumn baseball in Japan.
Here’s your quick rundown of everything happening with the Yomiuri Giants, from the first team to the farm system.
🧢 First-Team News: A New Ace in the Making and a Farewell to Babar Kosuke
The spotlight of the day was, without question, the 2025 NPB Draft.
The Giants made headlines by selecting Kazuyuki Takemaru, a left-handed pitcher from Saginomiya Seisakusho, as their first-round pick.
Clocking in at 151 km/h (94 mph), Takemaru has already been dubbed “the next-generation ace.”
In his post-draft interview, he said:
“My goal is to play at the top level for the next 10 years. I want to learn directly from Coach Utsumi.”
Manager Shinnosuke Abe praised the young southpaw, saying he “expects Takemaru to be a cornerstone lefty for years to come.”
With that endorsement, an early debut in next year’s rotation is not out of the question.
📋 Giants 2025 Draft Highlights
- 1st Round: Kazuyuki Takemaru (LHP, Saginomiya Seisakusho)
- 2nd Round: Tawa (right-handed reliever, immediate impact)
- 3rd Round: Yamashiro (young starter prospect)
- 4th Round: Minagawa (speedy center fielder)
- 5th Round: Kohama (right-handed infielder)
- 6th Round: Fujii (future middle-of-the-order bat)
- Developmental 5th: Taisei Chinen – Eastern League batting champ (.378, 21 HR); the “Farm Monster” aiming for the main roster spot.
However, professional baseball is always a story of highs and lows.
The Giants also announced that pitcher Kosuke Baba (30) has been released.
Despite a stellar 1.91 ERA in the farm system, he couldn’t secure a spot on the first team.
Baba stated he plans to enter the tryouts, saying, “I still believe I can pitch in the top league.”
Fans on social media have flooded him with messages of support, hoping for his comeback.
Manager Abe emphasized that the team will “restart from the autumn camp,” with a special feature scheduled to air soon on CS Nippon TV G+.
If the new draft picks blend well with the current roster, the Giants could become one of the most balanced teams in the 2026 season.
⚾ Farm News: Giants Fall to Dragons in Phoenix League, But New Talents Shine
Meanwhile, in Miyazaki, the Giants faced the Chunichi Dragons in the Phoenix League, falling 3–7 after a rough start.
Despite the loss, the game offered valuable opportunities for younger players and newcomers to gain experience.
Among the standouts was Taisei Chinen, whose hitting instincts once again impressed scouts and fans alike.
Masumi Kuwata, the Giants’ second-team manager, said:
“Every inning, every experience shapes the future. That’s what this league is for.”
He continues to push for farm system reform while providing guidance to rising stars such as Shosei Togo.
In his GIANTS TV interview, Kuwata shared insight into building a smoother bridge between the minor and major teams — and the progress is clearly showing.
🌅 Final Thoughts: A Day of New Beginnings and Painful Goodbyes
Hope and heartbreak — two sides of the same coin in professional baseball.
The Giants’ draft picks, led by Takemaru and Chinen, symbolize the team’s future,
while the release of veterans like Baba reminds us how unforgiving this sport can be.
As Manager Abe’s second year of reform begins, all eyes are on how these fresh talents evolve heading into the 2026 season.
📺 Stay tuned for our next update on the Giants’ Autumn Training Camp!
And tell us in the comments — who’s your favorite rookie to watch this offseason?
#GoGiants #YomiuriGiants #GiantsDraft2025 #NPBDraft #PhoenixLeague
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