So Ash will no longer be the protagonist of the Pokémon anime...

[haxxiy]

Pajderman said:

Maybe they can Raichu up that little yellow eclectic rat first.
I imagine the new protagonist is going to have a different main Pokémon by his/her side.
Or is the yellow rat to much of a staple mascot for the franchise?

Yes, the new protagonists will have the Spain region starters, including Sprigatito, the Weed Cat.

Bow down to the new Pokémon official mascot.