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Kokubo Vows Offseason Overhaul After SoftBank’s First Japan Title in Five Years

He calls next season a deliberate 'break' to raise the club's overall strength.

Overview

  • The manager spoke at an Oct. 31 news conference in Osaka alongside players Shuto and Yamakawa.
  • He said, "If we do the same things, we will not win," signaling changes in approach for year three of his tenure.
  • Plans include expanding the group of veterans allowed to self-manage early spring camp to better evaluate others and uncover new options.
  • He noted the club navigated injuries this season with mid-career players stepping up and suggested a substantially different team could emerge.
  • No specific roster, staff, or tactical moves were announced, with details to be determined during the offseason.