Rui Okoye Reflects on His Experience with the Active Draft
Rui Okoye, a Giants outfielder, recently sat down with the Full Count editorial team to share his thoughts on the “executive draft.” This draft, introduced for the first time during last year’s off-season, aims to transfer players who have not had the opportunity to play, as part of a system agreed upon after years of negotiations between the Japan Baseball Organization and the Professional Baseball Players Association. The process stipulates that each team must acquire and release one player. Okoye, who joined the active draft in December, expressed gratitude for the new opportunity this presented him with, acknowledging the competitive field of players in the Giants’ roster. His positive outlook and determination in facing this new phase of his career were evident during a recent press conference where he affirmed, “There is nothing left to do.”
From Rakuten to Giants: A Fresh Start
Okoye, who joined Rakuten in the 2015 draft, has shown a high level of physical ability, though full realization of his talent has proven elusive thus far. At 26, he recognizes that his generation of players is gradually transitioning from the sport, propelling him to seize and make the most of the new opportunity presented to him. Although initially not chosen for the first team, Okoye demonstrated impressive batting statistics and skills in the second team, highlighting his potential as a valuable asset for the Giants.
A New Chapter in Okoye’s Career
Embracing the new challenge brought forth by the transfer, Okoye’s positive attitude was evident as he acknowledged the competitive environment that lies ahead. Despite the uncertainties that accompany a shift in one’s professional career, Okoye’s determination and optimistic mindset represent a valuable asset as he embarks on this new chapter.
Impressions from the First Active Draft
Reflecting on the inaugural year of the transfer process, Okoye recognizes the impact it has had on his own career trajectory. However, he acknowledges that, for many other players, the active draft has posed unique challenges, further embodying the rigor of the professional baseball world. As half of the active draft players from the initial year have not remained eligible, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional sports and the resilience it demands from its participants.
Unveiling the Harsh Reality of the Current Draft
Okoye’s experience serves as a testament to his resilience and readiness to embrace new opportunities within the competitive realm of professional sports. However, he remains mindful of the stark uncertainties surrounding the active draft and how it impacts each player differently. Moving forward, Okoye hopes to engage with his peers who share similar experiences, fostering a sense of camaraderie and understanding amidst the unpredictable nature of professional sports.
(By Masaya Kotani)
Okoye joined the active draft in December last year: “I have been given a new opportunity.”
Giants outfielder Rui Okoye gave an interview to the Full Count editorial department and spoke about his thoughts on the “executive draft,” which was held for the first time during last year’s off-season. The active draft is a system that prompts the transfer of players who do not get the opportunity to play, and was introduced after several years of negotiations between the Japan Baseball Organization and the Professional Baseball Players Association. The rule is that each team must acquire one player and release one. How did Okoye feel when he became a party to the event?
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December 9, 2022. Okoye’s cell phone rang. The caller was from the front office of the Rakuten team. “I was selected by the Giants in the active draft.” Although the call came out of the blue, the person in question had a vague idea that the person in question was the one in question. “Thank you”. He thanked the team’s front office and hung up the phone.
The 2022 term will be 7 years after graduating from high school. In the Eastern League, he played in 48 games and had a .327 batting average with 32 hits in 98 at-bats, one home run, 13 RBI, and seven stolen bases. Although he got results with the bat, he was not called up by the first team. Although he was promoted for the first time in the season on August 19th, he was readjusted to the second team on September 1st. “My results in the second team were very good, but I didn’t really have a chance to play in the first team.” It was clear that he had a lack of appetite after appearing in six games for the first team.
He joined Rakuten in the 1st place in the 2015 draft. Although he has a high physical ability that everyone knows, he was not able to fully realize his talent. I will be 26 on my birthday in July. The players of my generation are gradually starting to take off their uniforms.
“I was happy. I got a new opportunity by transferring. The Giants have a lot of good players. Even if I lose in that competition, I think it will be a good ending to my baseball career. I was to be positive.” At his joining press conference on 14 December, he said, “There is nothing left to do.”
Half of the current 12 players drafted are not eligible for the draft: “It was good for me.”
2023, the first year of the transfer. He had a good .310 batting average in exhibition games, and in the game against Chunichi (Tokyo Dome) on March 31, he won the starting lineup for the first time in four years as “No. 1 left wing”. In 41 games, he has a .235 batting average, 2 home runs, 6 RBI, and 1 stolen base. Although he was unable to establish himself as a regular player, he will never forget the words that Tatsunori Hara, who was the manager of the first team at the time (currently a special adviser to the owner), said to him.
“I was told, “You’ve changed your eyes.” During the season, I was also asked, “What do you think? The Giants are fun, aren’t they?” I replied, “It’s very fun,” but (2 I think they would have known a lot of things (like being in the army) and come to me.”
Of the 12 players transferred in the first active draft, half were taken from the roster this season. The current draft is also a harsh reality.
“I think you can be more motivated by transferring than just playing. I came to the Giants and I thought it was up to me. It was good for me. However , other players I don’t know about the players. Looking at the players who have been told they are not eligible for active duty, I think there are some who would have been better off without being transferred. In the end, it depends on each person What kind of impressions did you get? I’d like to ask other current draft players someday.”
For Okoye, it was a positive system that allowed him to come back as a professional baseball player, but on the other hand, there are other players who find themselves at a crossroads in their professional lives. Again, it can be said that this is a system that makes you feel the rigors of the professional baseball world.
(Masaya Kotani)
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