Shohei Tateyama, who appeared on "Professional baseball News 2026" broadcast on Fuji TV ONE on the 19th, commented on Rakuten Eagles 's Katsutoshi Tai.
"The strength of fastball and the amount of movement in his curveball make it impossible to hit it at first sight," Tateyama analyzed. "His curveballs are amazing, and most of his outs last year were struck out. He's only played in six games, but I'd like to see him go full throttle this year. There are a lot pitcher pitcher, especially left-handed pitcher like Sora Suzuki, but I'm looking forward to seeing him pitch to change the flow of the game again this year," he added emphatically.
Last season, in his fourth year as a professional, Tai pitched 6 1/3 innings in six games, including his first professional appearance, finishing with a record of 1 win, 0 losses, 14 strike out, and ERA of 0.00. He is one of the young pitcher expected to break out.
☆ Cooperation: Fuji TV ONE "Professional baseball News 2026"