The Chunichi Dragons formally decided to appoint Kudo Kimiyasu (工藤 公康) as their new manager for next season. The announcement at the club's office in Nagoya outlined a rebuilding policy centered on bringing in outside talent.
It was decided that former SoftBank manager Kudo Kimiyasu (工藤 公康) (63) will become the Chunichi Dragons' new manager next season. On the 8th, club president Kato Hiroyuki (加藤 宏幸) announced the appointment at the club's office in Nagoya. Kudo is known for developing strategies using data analysis and video tools, based on the theme of “how to win with the players available,” and the club explained that it aims to bring his outside experience and expertise to the Dragons.
The Chunichi Dragons have finished in the bottom tier for 6 consecutive years and have gone 15 years since 2011 without winning the league. They have also missed the Climax Series for 14 years since 2012, and the context presented was that the club needs to recruit a manager capable of winning to rebuild the team. Kudo has deepened his knowledge through visits to training facilities in the United States and Stanford, among others, and is regarded as a leader familiar with modern organizational management.
Kudo has won 5 Japan Series championships during his time at SoftBank and is also reported to be well versed in data-driven training methods, including the use of tracking data and numerical approaches to developing younger players. Expectations are high for his management and player development using the depth of this season's starting rotation, while the club also referred to appointing coaches and staff from outside. The club emphasized its policy of pursuing a rebuilding effort triggered by Kudo's appointment.