Naoto Watanabe

Naoto Watanabe (渡辺 直人) is a Japanese former professional baseball player who is currently a coach for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He previously played for the Golden Eagles, Yokohama BayStars/Yokohama DeNA BayStars and Saitama Seibu Lions of NPB.

Career
Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles selected Watanabe with the fifth selection in the 2006 NPB draft.

On April 7, 2007, Watanabe made his NPB debut.

On October 14, 2019, Watanabe become playing batting coach for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles of NPB.

On September 12, 2020, Watanabe announced his retirement after the season, and next day he held press conference.