2026 Professional baseball Draft Conference supported by Lipovitan D (22nd)

One of the highlights of this draft, Aoyama Gakuin University pitcher Taisei Suzuki (4th year, Tokai University Sugao), was selected as the first-round pick by the Softbank Hawks. Although there was competition with Lotte, CBO Joshima drew the winning ticket with his right hand and said with a broad smile, 'I've got it! I definitely want to contribute to a four-peat in Fukuoka.'

The number one right-handed pitcher in the university baseball world, he boasts a fastball reaching a top speed of 155 km/h, high-level breaking balls such as the slider and fork, and excellent control. With an impressive track record in the Tohto University Baseball League and on the university national team, Hideyuki Suzuki, the manager of the Samurai Japan university national team (and manager of Kansai International University), spoke highly of him, stating, 'He is undoubtedly the ace of this national team. His speed, control, breaking balls, and fielding are all at a high level, and he has no weaknesses.'

He is such a talented player that many scouts from not only the NPB but also the Major Leagues visit to observe him. In the professional world, he is expected to be a player who can contribute immediately.

Taisei Suzuki. Born May 28, 2004, in Ibaraki Prefecture. 22 years old. At Tokaidai Sugao, he appeared in the spring invitational tournament during his second year wearing number 11. He contributed to a top-eight finish by starting two games and became the ace from the autumn of his second year. In the summer of his third year, his team lost to Nichidai San in the West Tokyo Tournament final. At Aoyama Gakuin University, he began pitching in league games from the spring of his first year. 187 cm, 79 kg. Right-handed pitcher and hitter.