On March 26, Hirokazu Ibata, 50, manager of Samurai Japan, announced the additional members of Japan's national team for the 6th World Baseball Classic (WBC) in March. Orix Buffaloes ・ Hiroya Miyagi pitcher (24) was selected. I hope I can show that I have grown more than last time.

Miyagi joined Orix Buffaloes in 2019 as the first overall pick in the draft from Konan High School (Okinawa). In his second year as a professional in 2021, he recorded 13 wins (4 losses) and was awarded Rookie of the Year. He then achieved double-digit win and cleared the required innings pitched for three consecutive years until 2023. In 2025, he pitched a career-high 150 1/3 innings and recorded a league-strike out rate of 9.88.

In the previous tournament in 2023, he made his debut as the third pitcher in the first round game against the Czech Republic on March 11 (Tokyo Dome Dome), and recorded a save with a strong performance of 5 innings and 1 runs. Although this was his only appearance in the tournament, he was a key part of the team's victory in the world championship. In the Samurai Japan exhibition game against the Netherlands on March 5, 2025 (Kyocera Dome Osaka), he started and pitched three innings without allowing a hit or runs, striking out four strike out for a perfect pitch. Manager Ibata has great confidence in him, saying, "He's at that level, so there's nothing to be ashamed of. Of course, he's in that position (as one of the left-handed pitchers)."

On this day, Miyagi said, "I've been given a great opportunity. I'll prepare well, and although there will be a lot of pressure, I hope I can contribute to Japan. I hope we can all work hard and get there." He had his sights set on the top spot. In an international tournament with a pitch count limit, the presence of a left-handed pitcher who can be counted on as the second starter is invaluable. He will be the driving force behind the team's quest for consecutive world championships.

◆Miyagi Hiroya Born on August 25, 2001 in Ginowan, Okinawa. 24 years old. Started playing baseball with the Shimashi The Dragons youth baseball team, and played for the Ginowan Ponies in junior high. Played Koshien in the summer of his first and second years at Konan High School. Selected for the U-18 Japan national team in his third year, he joined Orix Buffaloes as the first pick in the 2019 draft. Recorded 13 wins in 2021 and was named Pacific League Rookie of the Year. Contributed to Samurai Japan's victory in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. 171 cm tall, 85 kg. Throws and bats left-handed.