Masashi Kuwahara (32), outfielder who joined Seibu Lions after exercising his free agent rights from DeNA, held a press conference at the team's facility in Tokorozawa, Saitama on the 22nd, expressing his enthusiasm, saying, "I want to be greedy for victory and play in my own style."
Kuwabara appeared at the press conference dressed in a blue suit and with a bright expression. He revealed what made him decide, saying, "I received some passionate words and I thought a lot about it, but I really wanted to try out for The Lions and play for The Lions. I thought that changing my environment would add depth to my career. I wanted to become even more profound as a person and as a baseball player."
number is decided to be "7". In the past, Matsui Kazuo also carried a traditional number. "Amazing people have carried it on their backs and pulled the The Lions, so it's not as good as it, but I want to carry that feeling and do my best for The Lions," he vowed.
He played center center fielder for DeNA and won two Golden Glove Awards, but manager Nishiguchi has already stated that "center fielder (Nishikawa) will play center field, and Kuwahara will play left or right field." Kuwahara himself also emphasized, "I want to grab a position. I want to fulfill my role wherever I'm assigned, and I think that's what it means to be a professional."
Kuwahara joined Yokohama as the fourth pick in the 2011 draft from Fukuchiyama Seibi High School. He played in 143 games in 2017 and was named MVP in the 2024 Japan Series, contributing greatly to the team's first Japan Series title in 26 years. This season, he was delayed due to a fractured right thumb just before the start of the season, but he has appeared in 106 games, hitting six Home Run, 27 RBI, and a batting average of .284.
At DeNA, he was nicknamed "Gutsman" by fans due to his spirited play.
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・ [Seibu Lions] Manager Fumiya Nishiguchi commands free agent Masashi Kuwahara to secure a regular position, expecting him to play in either left or right field and "show his individuality."
・ [Seibu Lions] Acquired former Yankees right-hander Alan Winans and former Pirates outfielder Alexander Canario
・ [Seibu Lions] Acquires outfielder from DeNA
・ [DeNA] Masashi Kuwahara, who transferred to Seibu Lions as a free agent, volunteered in an unusual press conference to announce his departure, saying, "I want to express my gratitude."
・ [DeNA] Masashi Kuwahara, who has been transferred to Seibu Lions, conveyed his thoughts to fans at his departure press conference: "The cheer song 'Guts Man' was a great encouragement."
