Overview

• Lotte announced on October 5 that manager Rihito Yoshii, 60, resigned after offering to step down by October 4 due to poor results.
• Following the final game at ZOZO Marine, Yoshii told fans the results were entirely his responsibility and delivered an emotional farewell.
• The Marines finished 56–84–3 in 2025, placing last, and they were unable to see off Yoshii with a victory in the finale.
• Head coach Saburo (Omura Saburo), 49, was elevated to manager and vowed through the club to strive to make the team Japan champions.
• A former first-round pick who contributed to Lotte’s 2005 and 2010 titles, Saburo succeeds Yoshii, who spent seven seasons on the staff including as pitching coach.