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

Nippon-Ham selected pitcher Haruki Komoda (Yamanashi Gakuin) as their first-round pick. It was a single nomination without any competition, and manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo smiled, saying, "I've got it." While he praised Komoda as a "player with nothing but dreams," he also showed a cautious stance regarding a two-way role, stating, "We'll see after letting him pitch." Furthermore, he made an unexpected "announcement," saying, "Komoda-kun follows me on Instagram. I'll follow him back as soon as this is over."

Manager Shinjo's Q&A session

—Selected as the sole first-place pick

I've got it. With five teams left, my heart was pounding. I was so happy. Since it was already decided that I wouldn't be the one drawing the lot, maybe that's why it turned out this way.

—About Komoda

Komoda-kun follows my Instagram. I'll follow him back as soon as this is over. I'm looking forward to it. Also, regarding his two-way role, while there are difficulties, it's full of dreams. I want to see him in action soon.

—Impression as a hitter

He is very good at hitting inside pitches. He doesn't lose his form. Reyes has a similar hitting style as well. They feel alike. He is a player who represents nothing but dreams.

—Regarding the dual-wielding style

I don't know if Komoda is going that way. We'll have to wait until after he throws.

—What are your expectations?

Scout Obuchi was saying something like his body is like Darvish and his talent is like Ohtani. Just what kind of player is he? Let me check one more time. Was it Tatsu? Please check for me. I think it was Tatsu and Ohtani.

—Followed Manager Shinjo's Instagram

"I took a quick look to see if he was on Instagram, and there he was at the very top. Since he was following me, I went as far as this (gesturing with a thumb press), but I thought, 'I should wait until the follow-back actually happens.' He must have liked us, The Fighters."

—Did you think there would be competition?

It felt like there were about three teams. I thought, 'So this kind of thing can happen.' Everyone was watching with bated breath.