Rakuten Eagles Eagles infielder Rui Muneyama (22) opened his offseason training to the public on the 18th in Kagoshima Prefecture. He spent the morning training. Muneyama, who is training alone, said, "I feel like I'm growing and changing every day as I work on various things."

In his rookie season last year, he played in 122 games, including securing a starting starting line-up on opening day. He reached the required number of plate appearances, recording a batting average of .260, 27 RBI, and 3 Home Run. He became the first rookie in Pacific League in 44 years to win the Best Nine award as short stop. This offseason, he has set power hitting as one of his themes. "I'm looking to improve and refine my approach, and I'm re-evaluating my mindset, not just my batting average, but my power hitting. I'm imagining hitting for power with a better swing," he says.

He has something to motivate him. He's the same generation as them. Others in the same league, like Nishikawa of Lotte and Seibu Lions of Seibu, who are in the same grade, have established themselves as regulars from their first year. "I knew they would do well. I've watched Watanabe and Nishikawa, as well as other college graduates, since they were in college, and when I see other players from my own position as a player, I can pretty much imagine how good they are." Because he knows their abilities, he wasn't surprised by how well they've performed in the professional world.

This season, which marks their second year as professionals, they will both aim for further growth. "As a young generation, the most enjoyable thing is to get excited together with fellow players. I don't think that will ever change." They will climb the ladder while competing with their peers.