Lotte's Koki Yamaguchi held a public training session at Zozo Marine Stadium on the 13th and stated that he will be competing as first baseman this season.

　山口は年明け、ZOZOマリンスタジアムで行っている自主トレでは、ファーストミットでキャッチボール、ノックを受けていた。この日も室内練習場でファーストミットでキャッチボールとノックを行った。自らの意志でファーストで勝負したいことを伝えたという。

When asked why he wanted to play first base, he explained, "I haven't looked into it myself, so I don't know, but I think I had the same number of defense opportunities as outfield first baseman first baseman, and I think I was able to play with more confidence at first baseman."

"I also think that communication is easier in infield. I also think that how you switch gears is important. In outfield, you're left alone and it's hard to switch gears, but at first base, you have to call out to each other and work together with first baseman next to you, and there's a lot of fine-tuning involved, so I thought I'd give it a go in that area, and even if I didn't make it, I'd still be able to accept it."

Yamaguchi has played in 166 games for outfield and 143 for first baseman at the end of last season. Last season, he played 9 games for first baseman and 7 for outfield. In the Rakuten Eagles game on April 8, 23, in the 5th inning of 3-1 with no outs, Ginjiro Sumitani (currently Seibu Lions) hit a ball next to first base with a diving catch catch and defense throw to second base and put it out, and on June 4 of the same year, in the Hanshin Tigers game, 0-0 in the 3rd inning without runner without a hit Seiya Kinami hit it He was very good at diving catch first base line 's powerful grounder and stepping on the first base to get out.

Regarding defense as first baseman, Yamaguchi analyzed himself, saying, "I think I can do it a little better than outfield."

Regarding last year's voluntary training, he said, "First of all, I wanted to push myself, and I created an environment where I couldn't compromise, so I had no choice but to do it, and so I hired a trainer. He's been watching me since high school, so I knew the training would be tough. I think I was able to do good training." He trained hard with extraordinary determination, and this year he is no different, pushing himself, saying, "I've been working with a trainer all this time, so the training itself is hard. I ran yesterday, so my muscles are still really sore."

This season, he will be competing for the regular position at first baseman, and his rival for the position is Neftalí Soto. However, he said firmly, "I know Soto is a great batter and has a proven track record, but I want to work hard with the determination that I absolutely do not want to lose." His power is recognized by everyone, as seen in the four consecutive Home Run hit last year. If he continues to perform well, he will be able to become a regular. This season, he wants to grab the position.

Interview and text by Yuta Iwashita