On May 1, 2025, the Saitama Seibu Lions announced that they have agreed to trade infielder Kakeru Yamano to the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. This move comes as both teams look to bolster their rosters amidst the ongoing season, with Yamano hoping to find his footing in a new environment.
Yamano, who is 30 years old, expressed his surprise at the trade, stating, "I am honestly surprised. I want to remain upbeat and true to myself even after joining the Swallows. In terms of my play, I want to display what I have been working on since spring camp and contribute to the team's victory." His enthusiasm for the upcoming challenges with Yakult is palpable, as he aims to leverage his skills to help the team improve.
The Tokyo native was drafted by Seibu in 2019 as the third overall pick from Mitsubishi Motors Okazaki. Over his career with the Lions, Yamano has displayed versatility as a utility player, capable of playing both infield and outfield positions. He has participated in a total of 207 games, but his performance this season has been less than stellar. In five games, he recorded a batting average of .000 before being removed from the first team roster on April 18, 2025.
Despite his struggles on the field, Yamano reflected fondly on his time with the Lions, saying, "I couldn't perform as well as I wanted in the Lions' games, but I cherish the memories with the fans who supported me. There are countless memories that I will take with me, and it’s hard to carry them all. Thank you very much for the past seven years with the Lions." His gratitude for the support he received during his tenure highlights the strong bond he formed with the fans.
Yakult, currently sitting at the bottom of the Central League standings, has been plagued by injuries to key players, including Shioami, Murakami, Maruyama, Nagaoka, and Naomichi Matsumoto. The team is in dire need of reinforcements as they prepare for a crucial month of May. The acquisition of Yamano is seen as a strategic move to strengthen their lineup and provide a spark as they aim for a resurgence in the league.
Yamano's new uniform number will be 37, a fresh start for him as he transitions to a different team and seeks to make a significant impact. His speed and batting skills have been touted as key assets, and Yakult is optimistic that he can find his rhythm and become a regular player in their lineup.
The Swallows have high hopes for Yamano, especially with their current struggles. They are counting on his experience and versatility to help fill the gaps left by injured players. As the season progresses, fans will be eager to see how Yamano adapts to his new role and whether he can turn his fortunes around in a fresh setting.
As the trade unfolds, Yamano's journey with the Swallows begins, and the baseball community will be watching closely. Can he rise to the occasion and help lead Yakult out of the basement of the Central League? Time will tell as the season heats up.
