Maeda Analyzes Kotono’s Struggles and Recent Improvement at the Plate

Former Hiroshima Toyo Carp star Tomonori Maeda offered his assessment of Kaito Kozono’s difficult 2026 season during a radio broadcast following Hiroshima’s game against the Yokohama DeNA BayStars on August 8.

Kozono entered the season after winning both the Central League batting title and the highest on-base percentage award in 2025. However, he struggled badly during the first half of this season, with many of his aggressive swings failing to produce hits.

Maeda believes that Kozono’s natural aggressiveness may have worked against him.

“Kozono is an extremely aggressive hitter, so he is the type of player who can gradually improve his form by finding hits through the gaps,” Maeda explained. “But in the first half of the season, his balls weren’t finding the hitting zone, and he was often just trying to make contact.”

Maeda also pointed out that Kozono appeared to be swinging less freely than usual.

“He wasn't taking his swings like he is now,” Maeda said.

The former Carp star described Kozono’s approach in an unusual but revealing way.

“In a strange way, he is the type of hitter who can almost perform a hit-and-run by himself. He goes after almost anything. He can even make contact with pitches outside the strike zone.”

According to Maeda, Kozono's desire to collect hits may have become counterproductive.

“He really wants to get hits, so I think his desire to raise his batting average may have caused him to lose his way.”

Maeda also suggested that Kozono has yet to completely establish his own hitting identity at the professional level.

“I still don't think he has completely established his own batting style yet.”

Despite the difficult first half, Kozono has shown signs of improvement since the All-Star break. His batting average has climbed to .254, and his swings have looked more aggressive and confident.

For Hiroshima, Kozono's recovery could be one of the most important developments of the second half. The 25-year-old was one of the Central League's best hitters just one year ago, and rediscovering that form would give the Carp a significant boost as they attempt to climb back into the playoff race.

Maeda's comments also highlight an important challenge for Kozono: rather than simply trying to collect hits, he must rediscover the hitting approach that made him one of the league's most productive hitters in 2025.