Samurai Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata announced the roster of players who will be competing in the 6th World Baseball Classic (WBC) to be held in March next year in advance in Tokyo on the 26th, and pitcher Kaima Taira of Seibu Lions Lions was selected. number has been decided to be "61."

He declined to take part in the 2023 WBC, wanting to prioritize his preparation as a starter. This time, the strong-armed pitcher will join a team aiming for consecutive world championships, and commented, "I am extremely honored to have been selected to represent Japan in the WBC. With the responsibility and pride of representing Japan in the game, I will put everything I have into every pitch. I will do my best to contribute to Japan's win."

This season, he pitched in 54 games, recording 4 wins, 2 losses, 31 saves, 8 hold, and an ERA of 1.71. After competing with Softbank Hawks 's Sugiyama, he won his first saves title.

The members announced in advance this time are as follows:

▽ pitcher

1. Yuki Matsui (Padres)

14. Hiromi Ito (Nippon-Ham)

15 Majority (The Giants)

16. Ohtani (Dodgers)

17 Yusei Kikuchi (Angels)

26. Atsuki Taneichi (Lotte)

61 Kaima Taira (Seibu Lions)

69. Daichi Ishii (Hanshin Tigers)

※ number is before the name