Tsuyoshi Shinjo to remain Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters manager

Tsuyoshi Shinjo will remain the manager of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters for his sixth season. Following the conclusion of the current season, Shinjo has accepted an offer from the club to continue leading the team.

Shinjo indicated that he had prepared for the possibility of being dismissed after the team finished the season in third place, failing to secure a league championship despite three consecutive years of finishing in the top class. However, club leadership expressed strong confidence in his ability to build the team, which has risen from consecutive last-place finishes to become a competitive contender.

Looking ahead to next season, the club aims to secure a league title. A primary focus for the off-season will be retaining outfielder Franmil Reyes, whom Shinjo described as an essential leader for the roster. The organization also plans to utilize its financial resources to pursue free agents and new foreign players to strengthen the pitching staff and versatile fielders.