Softbank Hawks outfielder Ukyo Shuto (29) announced on the 24th that he aims to stolen base 60 bases with a 90% success rate. He held a talk show in Fukuoka Prefecture. Having just signed a five-year, 2 billion yen contract, the speedster set a target for the first year of his contract.

"I want to always have that goal in mind," he said, setting his sights on becoming the first player in the NPB since Honda Yuichi (Softbank) in 2011 stolen base 60 bases. Last season, when he led stolen base title for the fourth time in three consecutive years, he only managed 35 stolen base in 96 games played due to a series of injuries. He failed four times, giving him an 89.7% success rate. "One more success and I'd be at 90%. I wanted to clear that mark. I want to be at least 85%. If I'm below 80%, maybe it's not worth running," he said, showing his commitment to his success rate.

Starting this year, unified (expanded) bases are being adopted, which will also help shorten the distance between bases by about 11 centimeters. However, he said casually, "It's not something I'm worried about." In 2020, when he recorded his highest number of stolen base (50), he played in 103 games. After playing in two consecutive WBC tournaments, he aims to complete 143 games. As long as he stays injury-free, he is confident he can clear the high hurdle. (Shimao Koichiro)