25-Year Drought Ends
In 2016, the Carp won their first Central League title in 25 years under manager Koichi Ogata. Seiya Suzuki broke out at .335/29 HR, Yoshihiro Maru hit .291/20 HR, and Yusuke Nomura won 16 games for the wins title.
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2017 Repeat
In 2017, the Carp won by 10 games. Maru was named CL MVP with .308/23 HR. Suzuki hit .300/26 HR. Kazuki Yabuta won 15 games and Shota Nakasaki saved 34.
2018 Three-Peat
The 2018 three-peat was a franchise first. Maru won consecutive MVPs with .306/39 HR/97 RBI. Suzuki hit .320/30 HR. Daichi Osera won 15 games and Francesua saved 32.
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Post Three-Peat Challenges
Despite three pennants, the Carp lost the 2016 and 2018 Japan Series. Maru left via FA to the Giants in 2018, and Suzuki posted to the Cubs in 2022. As a citizen-owned team, retaining stars remains a structural challenge.