Rakuten Eagles Director Hajime Miki (48) mentioned the names of young players who have increased their opportunities to play this season as key players for the next season. He said, "I hope all the players will come out with their own unique talents, whether they are veterans, mid-level players, or young players. He also expressed his high expectations for young players such as Daisuke Nakashima outfielder (24), who reached the batting regulation for the first time in his second year as a No. 1 hitter, Fumiya Kurokawa infielder (24), who did not reach the regulation but hit .299 and also sat at No. 4, Rui Muneyama infielder (22), who played 122 games as a rookie and was selected as one of the best nine players.
They have a great role model: infielder Itsuki Murabayashi (28). After getting his start in the first team with 139 appearances last season, he played in 137 games this season, winning the most hit title. He made even greater strides as third baseman, winning both the Golden Glove Award and the Best Nine. "Just when he gets a foothold in the first team and gets excited about going further, I think he'll hit a new wall. I want him to overcome that and grow," said the manager. He encouraged them to aim even higher without feeling burdened by this season's numbers. The performance of young players, who still have plenty of room to grow, will be the driving force behind the team's progress next season.
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