pitcher Daiki Kikuchi (26), who was drafted by The Giants and transferred to Nippon-Ham visited the team's second-division facility in Kamagaya, Chiba, for the first time on the 12th. He also exchanged greetings with his senior from Toin University of Yokohama, Saito. Despite making 73 appearances in the first division, he has never been on the podium. His unusual answers were well-received, and he will be aiming for his first appearance on the podium alongside Saito, who was awarded the "Best Podium Award" at the Patele Awards 2025.

He is ready to take on the challenge in his new home. He said with a wry smile that he's "just wandering around" in the unfamiliar facilities, but he has been doing his usual training in Nagano, doing weight training and agility exercises to sharpen his body. "Coach Shinjo said this year was all about results, so I want to get solid results and win the league championship and become number one in Japan. I want to be a part of that and contribute," he said quietly.

There is a place I would like to stand on. "I have never stood on the podium before, so I would like to stand on it with (Saito) Yukiya." Saito's unique answers, which are difficult to get into conversation with, are what make him so popular that he was awarded the "Best Podium Player." "I would love to stand on the podium here so that I can compete with Yukiya. I would like to hone my skills here from now on." First, he will break into the winning pattern as a relief pitcher, and then show a new side of himself on the podium. (Yamaguchi Yasushi)