Speedster Ukyo Shuto is the only center fielder to play in the WBC for the second consecutive tournament, and is "likely starting line-up." Last time, he was in danger of overtaking Shohei Ohtani. | Pacific League

Speedster Ukyo Shuto is the only center fielder to play in the WBC for the second consecutive tournament, and is "likely starting line-up." Last time, he was in "jeopardy of overtaking" Shohei Ohtani.

Sports Hochi

January 16, 2026 12:00

On the 16th, Samurai Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata (50) announced the 11 additional members of the Japanese national team that will participate in the 6th World Baseball Classic (WBC) in March, and Softbank Hawks infielder Ukyo Shuto (29) has been selected for the second consecutive tournament.

"First of all, I would like to express my gratitude for being selected to represent Japan. I would like to perform to the best of my ability and play my role so that we can win the championship again," he commented.

Softbank Hawks In infielder, it is registered at , but is often used at center fielder, and also at outfielder in Samurai. Manager Ibata said, "(His registration) is outfield. center fielder He is the only one whose main job is to play at . I think it is possible for him to be used as starting line-up (not as a substitute)," he said.

The speedster has once again been named to the Samurai Japan team. Shuto made his debut in a major international tournament at the Premier 12 in 1919, and was selected for the WBC for the second consecutive year following 23 years. In the last tournament, he played in five games, but he did not starting line-up have any at-bats and batted only "1". runner Yakult runner walk-off The first time I saw him, I thought he was a good player, but he was a little too fast for me, and I didn't want to be a part of the team.

Since his debut in the first team with Softbank Hawks in 2019, stolen base 20 or more bases for seven consecutive years until last season. He was stolen base leader four times, three years in a row until last season. Not only is base running and speed well-recognized, but his batting power has also improved in recent years. Although he only played in 96 games last season, he recorded a batting average of .286 as hitter for the No. 1 team in Japan.

At the moment, there are only three outfielder in Samurai Japan: Shuto, Kondo (Softbank Hawks), and Morishita (Hanshin Tigers). Suzuki (Cubs) is likely to join, but even if utility player Makihara (Softbank Hawks) is included, Shuto may play starting line-up as a mid-level regular in this tournament, and a battle with Morishita is expected. Until now, the main role was as a "substitute trump card", but the evolved speedster Shuto will run through Samurai Japan again to win two consecutive tournaments.

◆ Ukyo Shuto Born February 10th, 1996 in Ota City, Gunma. 29 years old. After attending Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology Second High School and Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology Hokkaido High School, he joined Softbank Hawks as the second pick in the 2017 development draft. Registered as a regular player in March 2019. In 2020, stolen base a career-high 50 bases, becoming the first development stolen base to lead the league in stolen bases. In 2025, stolen base 35 bases, becoming the stolen base leader for the fourth time in three years. He played for the Japanese team, winning the Premier 12 in 2019 and the WBC in 2023, and was a world champion. He is 180 cm tall and weighs 71 kg. He throws right and bats left.

◆ WBC Japan national team members

★ indicates the players announced this time

[pitcher = 10]

1. Yuki Matsui (Padres)

14. Taikai Ito (Nippon-Ham)

15. Large group (The Giants)

16. Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers)

17 Yusei Kikuchi (Angels)

19. Tomoyuki Sugano (Orioles free agent)

26. Atsuki Taneichi (Lotte)

61 Kaiba Taira (Seibu Lions)

66 ★ Yuki Matsumoto (Softbank Hawks)