DeNA BayStars Release Shintaro Fujinami and Multiple Players Including 2021 First-Round Pick Kenta Kozono
- The Yokohama DeNA BayStars announced on September 29, 2026, that they will not renew contracts for 10 players for the upcoming season.
- Kenta Kozono, a 2021 first-round draft pick, was designated as being outside the team's future plans.
- After his final farm league appearance on September 27, Fujinami stated that the environment provided by the team, including the staff and facilities, was exceptional.
The Yokohama DeNA BayStars announced on September 29, 2026, that they will not renew contracts for 10 players for the upcoming season. The list includes six players from the main roster—pitchers Kenta Kozono, Shintaro Fujinami, Chihaya Sasaki, Hayato Horioka, and Hayate Nakagawa, and outfielder Ayato Inoue—along with four developmental players: Kenji Nishimaki, Ryunosuke Matsumoto, Ao Ogasawara, and Taiga Kondo.
Main Roster Departures and Performance Records
Kenta Kozono, a 2021 first-round draft pick, was designated as being outside the team’s future plans. Kozono previously wore number 18, a jersey long associated with Daisuke Miura, and was viewed as a potential future ace.
Pitcher Shintaro Fujinami also departs the organization. After his final farm league appearance on September 27, Fujinami stated that the environment provided by the team, including the staff and facilities, was exceptional. He expressed regret for not contributing more to the team and noted that while overseas options exist, he primarily hopes to continue playing in the NPB, as reported by Sponichi.
The roster cuts also impact several pitchers who joined the team from other organizations. Hayate Nakagawa, who joined DeNA in 2024 after being released by Orix, appeared in 29 games in 2024 and 27 games in 2025 with a 1.93 ERA. His usage dropped significantly this season, appearing in only six games. Hayato Horioka, who joined as a developmental player in 2024 after leaving the Giants, also appeared in only six games this season despite having pitched in the Climax Series and Japan Series previously.
Chihaya Sasaki, who joined via the 2023 active player draft, contributed to the team’s Japan Series victory in 2024 with a 1.95 ERA over 28 games. In his most recent campaign, Sasaki made his first promotion in September, pitching five games with a 0.00 ERA. Sponichi reports that Sasaki expressed gratitude for his three years with the club and intends to continue his professional career.
Outfielder Ayato Inoue, a 2023 sixth-round pick, is also leaving. After showing promise last season with two home runs, Inoue’s role diminished this year, resulting in only three appearances.
Developmental Player and Prospect Status
Four developmental players were released alongside the main roster. Kenji Nishimaki, who previously played for Rakuten and Lotte, has not appeared in a first-team game since the 2024 season began. Ryunosuke Matsumoto, a 2020 third-round pick, was on a developmental contract this season due to repeated injuries, following a single first-team appearance in 2024.
The team also released Ao Ogasawara and Taiga Kondo. Ogasawara joined as a 2023 developmental draft third-round pick, and Kondo joined as a 2023 developmental draft fifth-round pick; neither player made a first-team appearance during their tenure.
Player Statements on Future Careers
Following the announcement at the team’s facilities in Yokosuka, Kanagawa, Kenta Kozono told reporters that his time with the team was an asset to his life regardless of what happens next. He stated that he intends to continue playing baseball and will decide his next steps after consulting with various people, according to Sponichi.
The departures represent a significant turnover of both high-draft picks and veteran acquisitions. While Sasaki and Fujinami have expressed a desire to remain in professional baseball, the team’s decision marks the end of their tenure with the BayStars.