Rakuten Eagles Daisuke Nakashima outfielder Daisuke Nakajima (24) opened his offseason training in Okinawa Prefecture to the public by the 14th. Last season, he established himself as a regular outfield. He reached the required number of plate appearances for the first time and had a breakout season, recording a batting average of .266, 6 Home Run, 31 RBI, and 22 stolen base. "I want to surpass last year. I want to make this a year where I can surpass my performance from last year," he declared.

He was spending some precious time before his voluntary training. Last December, he was blessed with the opportunity to speak directly with Red Sox outfielder Yoshida Masataka, a senior at Aoyama Gakuin University. "I asked him things like what he does in situations like this, and what his mindset is when hitting the ball in the opposite direction." He asked many questions while watching batting practice video. "If I could become the batting hitter and hit home run, I'd be the best, so I've always thought that I should aim to be like that," he said, as a "lesson" from a senior he respects. He was exposed to the high level of skill and the wide range of skills that top players possess, and it became clear to him what he himself was lacking. "I learned a lot, so it was a good time," he said, looking back with a satisfied expression.

Yoshida played in every game for the first time in his third year, posting a batting average of .321, 26 Home Run, and 86 RBI. He quickly climbed the ladder to stardom. Nakajima is also in his third year this season. "Of course, I want to play in every game, and I want to hit .300," he said, brimming with fighting spirit.

The competition for a regular outfield position is fierce, but he has no intention of losing. "I want to surpass last year. I want to make this a year where I can surpass my performance from last year." He will use Yoshida's teachings to build a solid place for himself.