pitcher Taiki Kikuchi (26), who transferred from The Giants to Nippon-Ham in the active draft, made his first visit to the team's minor league facility in Kamagaya, Chiba, on the 12th. He also exchanged greetings with his senior from Toin Yokohama University, Saito. Despite 73 appearances in the major leagues, he has never stood on the winner's podium. He will be aiming for his first win on the winner's podium, together with Saito, who was praised for his unusual answers and won the "Best Winner on the Winner's Podium Award" at the Pacific League TV 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)