A return to Japan is welcome, but joining the Giants…

He crossed the ocean in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this season marks his fifth year in the US. Considering his track record during his 10 years in Japan, in which he hit a total of 205 home runs, won the home run title once, and was the RBI king once, it is hard to say that Tsutsugo has been “successful in the majors.” The only year he was able to play in the majors for the entire year was his first year after the transfer, which was a shortened season. Since then, he has spent time in the minors and been transferred multiple times, and from the outside, it may seem like he has had a “difficult season.”

Although there have been rumors of a return to Japanese baseball every offseason in recent years, Tsutsugo has remained adamant about playing in America, and there must have been many fans cheering him on as he continues to swing his bat in the minor leagues.

I also interviewed Tsutsugo several times during his time with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, and while he avoided making any specific statements, I remember sensing from his every word that he had a strong desire to “aim even higher” and “play in America.”

In that sense, his decision to return to Japanese baseball after playing in the United States for five years was likely made after careful consideration of his own situation, his future as a professional baseball player, and his career development.

The fans probably understood what that meant. When the news first came out that Tsutsugo was thinking about returning to Japan, the reaction was mostly positive. “Well done,” “Thank you for your hard work,” “We look forward to seeing you do well in Japan”… Social media was also full of such comments.

However, when it was reported that the Yomiuri Giants were the leading team for him, the reaction changed slightly. In particular, many fans of his former team, the Baystars, expressed disappointment, sadness and anger.

First of all, even if Tsutsugo does decide to join the Giants, it will be a contract that follows the rules, and there is nothing to blame him for. Furthermore, before the start of the season, new foreign player Rougnet Odour left the team, leaving the Giants without an absolute regular outfielder or a strong left-handed hitter, and Tsutsugo is a player who matches their reinforcement points. Acquiring Tsutsugo, who has a strong track record in Japan, is a very logical reinforcement.

But still, why are there some negative voices?