Tomoya Masaki of the Softbank Hawks contributed to the team's third consecutive league title as a fearsome leadoff hitter.

Masaki played in 101 games this season, his fifth year as a professional, and had a breakout year with a .274 batting average, a career-high 28 Home Runs, and 59 RBI.

Appearing on 'Professional baseball News 2026' broadcast on Fuji TV ONE on the 5th, Tomotaka Sakaguchi gave high praise, saying, 'It was extremely significant. He hit 28 home run as the leadoff hitter. I often played as the leadoff hitter myself, and a leadoff hitter with home run power is much more intimidating. On top of that, you have the number four hitter hitting 40 home run and the number three hitter hitting 30. In that environment, he truly led the lineup.'

Hatsuhiko Tsuji said, "He is composed, doesn't change his expression, and has great distance. He is a batter who can hit in the cleanup spot. I wonder how many home runs he could hit if he only aimed for them," while Masaki Saito also expressed admiration, saying, "Our surnames are different, but as a fellow 'Masaki,' I think he is a wonderful player. From a pitcher's perspective, as Mr. Sakaguchi said, it is truly unpleasant to have a batter with home run power in the leadoff spot."

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