Ryoji Aikawa to remain manager of Yokohama DeNA BayStars

The Yokohama DeNA BayStars have announced that manager Ryoji Aikawa will remain in his position for the 2027 season. Owner Tomoko Namba cited Aikawa's ability to navigate a season marked by numerous injuries and roster changes, noting his tactical insights as a former catcher and the emergence of young talent as key reasons for his retention.

After taking over from Daisuke Miura, Aikawa led the team through a challenging period where they faced a deficit of up to 15 games by early July. However, the team staged a significant comeback during the latter half of the season, finishing in third place with a record of 71 wins, 69 losses, and 3 draws.

Aikawa expressed regret over the team's failure to secure the league championship but stated his commitment to winning the Japan Series and achieving a league title in the upcoming season.