Masaki Saito and Hatsuhiko Tsuji, who appeared on 'Professional baseball News 2026' broadcast on Fuji TV ONE on the 5th, mentioned Rakuten Eagles' Takahisa Hayakawa.

Saito evaluated him, saying, "He came back from a shoulder injury and was really good at the beginning of this year. Although he wasn't blessed with many wins due to the lack of run support from the lineup, it wouldn't have been surprising if he had finished with 10 wins and 7 losses."

Mr. Tsuji encouraged him to step up, saying, '7 wins and 10 losses. It should be the other way around. He is a pitcher capable of winning in double digits. While it depends on the lineup's support, to become a true ace, he must hold firm when they aren't hitting. If he develops the strength to hold his ground, he will undoubtedly be an ace-caliber player.'

Hayakawa pitched 153 innings across 23 games this season, recording a record of 7 wins, 10 losses, and an ERA of 2.94.

☆ Cooperation: Fuji TV ONE "Professional baseball News 2026"