On the 7th, the members of Samurai Japan who will participate in the 'Luxas Asia Professional baseball Championship 2026' (November 12-15, Tokyo Dome) were announced, and Lotte outfielder Koki Yamaguchi (26) was selected as an overage (OA) player.

In his eighth season, he played in 113 games, batting .277 with 38 Home Run and 81 RBI. While he fell short of Softbank Hawks 's Kurihara, who was Pacific League Home Run leader with 40 Home Run, he set a new club record for most Home Run since the team moved to Chiba. Expectations are high for him to be a key player in his first-ever appearance on the Samurai Japan national team.

Eligibility for the tournament is limited to players born on or after January 1, 2002, who are 24 years old or younger, or players within their first three years of joining a team. Furthermore, as an overage (OA) exception, the participation of up to three players aged 29 or younger is permitted.

Koki Yamaguchi. Born August 18, 2000, in Hirano Ward, Osaka. 26 years old. At Akita Meio High School, he secured a spot in the summer Koshien as the 'number 4 batter and pitcher' in his second year, but did not pitch due to a right shoulder injury. He hit 25 career Home Runs in high school. He joined Lotte as the 4th draft pick in 2018. In November 2023, he announced his marriage to Aika Ota, a former member of AKB48 and HKT48. In 494 career games, he has a .240 batting average, 86 Home Runs, and 252 RBI. 183 cm, 100 kg. Right-handed pitcher and batter. Estimated salary for this season is 30 million yen.