Hideki Matsui Returns to Yomiuri Giants as New Manager

Former Yomiuri Giants and New York Yankees star Hideki Matsui has been named the 21st manager of the Yomiuri Giants on a three-year contract, reported on October 23. Matsui, 52, returns to his former Nippon Professional Baseball club to succeed Shigeo Nagashima’s managerial legacy, wearing the No. 90 jersey.

Matsui Takes the Helm at Tokyo Dome

At his introductory press conference on October 23, Matsui described his return to the Yomiuri Giants as feeling like coming home. The former powerhouse takes over a club that finished the regular season with a 76–3–64 record under acting manager Naoki Hidaka before getting swept in the Climax Series first stage.

Matsui was selected as the first overall pick in the 1993 draft out of Ishikawa Prefecture’s Seiryo High School. During his initial stint with Yomiuri, he claimed three home run crowns and three RBI titles while batting in the heart of the lineup.

Following his 2003 move to Major League Baseball via free agency, Matsui starred for the Yankees, Los Angeles Angels, Oakland Athletics, and Tampa Bay Rays. He earned World Series MVP honors in 2009 after helping lead the Yankees to a championship title.

Unique Coaching Roots in the Bronx

Unlike traditional NPB managerial candidates who rise through domestic farm systems, Matsui built his coaching resume within the Yankees organization following his 2012 retirement. He served as a spring training guest instructor before being appointed a special advisor to the general manager in 2015.

During his tenure with New York, Matsui worked directly with minor league prospects and major leaguers alike. Among those who sought his hitting expertise was American slugger Aaron Judge, who credited Matsui with teaching him lower-body swing control during their time in the Yankees system.

The Yomiuri Giants turned to Matsui following the departure of former manager Shinnosuke Abe in May. Under Hidaka’s interim leadership, the club battled Hanshin Tigers for the Central League pennant before fading in August and ultimately finishing second, 2.5 games back.

Honoring the Legacy of Shigeo Nagashima

For his return to the dugout, Matsui bypassed his iconic playing number 55 in favor of No. 90. The number honors his late mentor, Shigeo Nagashima, who wore it when he first took charge as Yomiuri manager in 1975.

Nagashima personally secured Matsui’s negotiating rights in the 1992 draft by winning a four-team lottery. The two shared a bond that culminated in both men receiving Japan’s People’s Honor Award in 2013. Matsui acknowledged that while Nagashima might joke that the appointment is overdue, he intends to focus squarely on his own managerial style rather than trying to replicate his predecessor.

The Giants are scheduled to begin spring training preparations ahead of the upcoming NPB season.

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