Softbank Hawks Chief Baseball Officer Kenji Johjima (50) revealed on the 21st after a scouting meeting in Tokyo that he is carefully considering a bold first-round pick for Yokohama pitcher Shoki Oda (18), who has expressed his intention to challenge the Major Leagues without going through the NPB.

Although he didn't mention a name, it was clear to anyone listening that he was referring to Oda. CBO Jojima, when asked about the first-round pick, brought up the subject himself. 'He is a player we evaluate very highly. I can't say his name, though. Given what happened with Rintaro Sasaki last year, we might not be able to afford doing that two years in a row, but it's not impossible. We haven't made a final decision yet,' he said, showing plenty of lingering attachment to the 157 km/h right-hander who had effectively held a 'refusal of nomination' press conference on the 15th.

Last season, they made a surprise first-round pick of Rintaro Sasaki from Stanford University, who had a strong desire to play in the Major Leagues. After competing with DeNA, they won the negotiation rights, but he did not join the team. However, they do not regret the selection, stating, "I believe there was a sufficient message sent," and upholding the justification that it was for the sake of the Japanese baseball world. Should they just stand by and watch the 'golden eggs' flow out to the American baseball world again this year? "I don't think the chances of success are zero. Should we just let attractive players slip away without even trying? I wanted to ask all of you in the media. For the sake of Japanese professional baseball and The Hawks, which one would the fans be happier with?" he asked, questioning the role of a club that boasts the number one strength among the 12 teams.

Oda stated that his 'evaluation is unwavering,' but he is, of course, conducting simulations in case they avoid the nomination. Komoda, a two-way player from Yamanashi Gakuin, and Suzuki Tai, a ready-to-play right-hander from Aoyama Gakuin University, have been mentioned as first-round draft candidates. 'We have to decide by tomorrow. What kind of draft truly represents The Hawks?' Will they take a risk that is too high for the second year in a row? The decision has been postponed until the day of the event. (Koichiro Shimao)