Hayato Kozono Sent to the Minors After Series of Defensive Mistakes as Takagi Yutaka Questions Carp's Handling of the Star Infielder

Hiroshima Carp infielder Hayato Kozono has been sent down to the minor leagues following a difficult stretch that has seen him make several costly defensive mistakes.

The 26-year-old was removed from the team's August 16 game against the Hanshin Tigers after committing two errors during the ninth inning.

With Hiroshima trailing 6–1, Kozono mishandled a ground ball from Takumu Nakano with a runner on first, preventing what could have been a double play.

Later in the inning, a ground ball from Teruaki Sato gave Hiroshima another chance to turn two. The ball went from second baseman Ryosuke Kikuchi to Kozono, but Kozono's throw to first sailed wide, allowing another run to score.

Kozono was then replaced by a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the ninth.

The demotion is particularly notable because Kozono was one of the most productive hitters in the Central League last season. In 2025, he won his first career batting title and also led the league in on-base percentage.

This season, however, his numbers have fallen considerably. Through 101 games, he was batting just .257 with one home run and 23 RBIs.

Former professional player and baseball analyst Yutaka Takagi was particularly critical of Kozono's performance during the Hanshin game.

“That kind of play is unacceptable for a professional.”

Takagi acknowledged that making an error itself can happen in baseball. What concerned him more was Kozono's attitude and body language after the mistake.

Takagi also pointed to Kozono's background. He represented Japan at the Under-18 level and later played for the Japanese national team in the World Baseball Classic.

Considering that experience, Takagi argued that the level of play seen recently was far below what should be expected from a player with Kozono's status.

He also emphasized Kozono's importance to the Carp.

“Kozono is one of Hiroshima's faces.”

Takagi argued that players in that position need to show more energy and determination, particularly when playing in front of paying fans.

He also questioned the Carp's handling of Kozono, suggesting that the organization may have waited too long to take action.

“It's late.”

According to Takagi, the situation could reflect a culture within the organization that has been too lenient toward Kozono.

The timing is especially significant because Kozono had previously been sent to the minors in April 2023 due to poor performance. This is his first demotion since then.

Takagi believes the current assignment may be about more than simply improving Kozono's defensive technique.

He suggested that the Carp may want Kozono to work on his mental approach and sense of responsibility as a professional, rather than simply correcting his fielding mechanics.

At just 26 years old, Kozono is still young, but expectations surrounding him have changed considerably. After winning two batting titles last season, he is now expected to become one of the players who leads the Carp both on and off the field.

For Hiroshima, the hope is that the time in the minors will allow Kozono to reset, regain his confidence and return as the player the organization believes he can be.

The talent is clearly there.

The bigger question now is whether Kozono can turn a difficult season into an opportunity to mature as one of the future leaders of the Carp.