DeNA releases 10 players including 2021 draft pick Ozono

DeNA released 10 players on September 29, including 2021 first-round pick Kenta Ozono and pitcher Shintar Fujinami. After five seasons with the team, 23-year-old Ozono compiled only 1 win in 2 major league appearances but expressed interest in continuing his baseball career elsewhere.

Quick Facts

10 players released by DeNA
Ozono inherited number 18 jersey from former manager Daisuke Miura
Ozono expected to become future ace
Sasaki joined via 2023 active player draft from Chiba Lotte Marines
Fujinami joined DeNA mid-2024 season

Japanese baseball club DeNA announced on September 29 that it would not offer contracts for the 2025 season to 10 players, including 23-year-old pitcher Kenta Ozono, who was selected first overall in the 2021 draft.

Ozono, who inherited the prestigious number 18 jersey previously worn by former manager Daisuke Miura, was expected to become the team's future ace. However, his professional career has been marked by limited success. In five seasons with DeNA, he made only two major league appearances with a record of 1 win and 1 loss, posting a 9.39 ERA. He had no major league appearances in the 2026 season and logged a 3.83 ERA over 25 farm league games.

When informed of the release, Ozono expressed regret, stating he felt "sorry for not delivering results given the expectations placed on me." He thanked fans who supported him at the stadium and said he hoped to become a player worthy of their support if he continues his baseball career. Regarding his future, he indicated willingness to continue playing professionally and said he would consult various people before deciding his next steps.

The 10 players released include four other pitchers: 32-year-old Shintar Fujinami (1 win in 3 games in 2026), 32-year-old Sentetsu Sasaki (5 appearances after being called up in September, posting a 0.00 ERA), Hayato Horioka, and Sou Nakagawa. Outfielder Ayato Inoue was the only position player among those released. Four additional players on development contracts—Ryunosuke Matsumoto, Hiroya Kondo, Ao Ogasawara, and Kenji Nishimaki—were also released.

Sasaki, who joined DeNA via the 2023 active player draft after spending his career with the Chiba Lotte Marines, spoke of his gratitude for his three years with the team. Despite acknowledging the possibility of release due to limited playing time this season, he expressed that he has not given up hope and remains committed to continuing his professional baseball career. He indicated interest in participating in tryouts and considering multiple options, including opportunities outside of Nippon Professional Baseball.

Topics

Sports Business

#player release #Sentetsu Sasaki #Nippon Professional Baseball #DeNA #draft pick #Kenta Ozono #contract #baseball #NPB #Shintar Fujinami

Entities

Why This Matters

DeNA's release of 10 players, including 2021 first overall draft pick Kenta Ozono, marks a significant organizational restructuring. Ozono's departure signals the end of a five-year experiment with a high-profile prospect who failed to meet performance benchmarks (1 win in 2 major league appearances, 9.39 ERA). The releases affect roster composition for the 2025 season and open positions for other candidates; released players including veterans Fujinami and Sasaki may seek opportunities in free agency, other NPB teams, or foreign leagues, altering the competitive landscape across professional baseball markets.

Timeline & Sources

Jan 1, 2021

Wire

Ozono selected first overall in NPB draft by DeNA; receives number 18 jersey

Jan 1, 2024

Wire

Sasaki records 1.95 ERA in 28 games; DeNA wins Japan Series; Fujinami joins DeNA mid-season

Jul 3, 2025

Wire

Ozono records his first professional win against Chunichi Dragons

Sep 29, 2026

Wire

DeNA announces release of 10 players including Ozono, Fujinami, Sasaki, and 7 others