◆2025 Professional baseball Draft Conference supported by Lipovitan D (23rd)

Stanford University infielder Rintaro Sasaki (20), currently eligible for the draft, was selected first overall by DeNA and Softbank. This marks the first time in history that a Japanese fielder currently studying abroad has been selected by the NPB. While the stadium erupted in excitement over the two surprise selections, Softbank which drew the lottery later, secured the negotiating rights. CBO Jojima, who accomplished this significant feat, responded, "I'm glad that Chairman Oh put a lot of pressure on me. It was my first draft, so I was under a lot of pressure, but I'm glad I was able to fulfill this important role. (He's currently studying in the United States.) His case is unique, and he won't be available right from the start of next season, but he's a very attractive player, so I hope he will perform well if the opportunity arises. I respect his choice between Japan and the United States, but if the opportunity arises, we need your help to bring the exciting baseball of Kyushu to you. Let's work together."

Rintaro, who hit a total of 140 Home Run during his high school career at Hanamaki Higashi High School in Iwate Prefecture, chose to attend college in the United States last fall. He played in all 52 games as a regular, batting .269 with 7 Home Run and 41 RBI. Even if he is drafted by an NPB team, he has indicated his intention to play at the university until June of next year.

Regarding the promising power hitter, The Giants scouting director Shinsuke Kurematsu stated, "He's on our list." It was also revealed that Yakult, Softbank, Rakuten, and Lotte also had him on their list of potential draft picks. However, because he has decided to play at Stanford University until June next year and is eligible for the MLB Draft in mid-July, some teams, such as Hiroshima, have excluded him from their list of potential draft picks, stating that they "respect his intention (to play in the US)."

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