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

Kansai University pitcher Yuto Yonezawa (4th year, Kanazawa) was selected as the first-round pick by Lotte. He watched the broadcast at the university's Senriyama Campus in Suita City, Osaka. Although he was a 'third-choice' first-round pick, it was still a prestigious first-round selection. 'I am simply filled with feelings of happiness,' he said with a smile.

Born in Suzu City, Ishikawa. During the New Year two years ago, he was affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, but his parents sent him off, telling him to 'do your best at baseball.' Reflecting on his first-round selection, he said, 'A disaster like that happened in my hometown. I wanted to give back no matter what, and I am glad I practiced without giving up.'

At that time, he was still a first-year student. In the summer of his second year, he injured his elbow and shoulder, and stayed away from the mound for about a year. Manager Yoichi Oda rejoiced at his student's entry into the professional league, saying, 'There were times when he couldn't concentrate on baseball due to the disaster and his injuries, but he overcame those hardships. Growing up surrounded by the vast nature of Noto, he has a persistent personality. Even while he couldn't throw the ball due to injury, he silently kept running and training. Having witnessed him like that, I am glad he could reach this day.'

A left-handed pitcher boasting a maximum speed of 149 km/h, his overall ability as a pitcher is among the best of his generation. Having made a comeback from injury, he recorded his first league win with a near-perfect game against Kwansei Gakuin University this spring and was named MVP with four wins. In June of this year, as the ace, he led his team to their third championship in 54 years at the All Japan University Baseball Championship, making his name known nationwide. He was also selected for the Samurai Japan University National Team. In the autumn league, he had 1 win and 1 loss with an ERA of 2.97 across 7 games (including 1 relief appearance).

Yuto Yonezawa. Born June 1, 2004, in Suzu City, Ishikawa. 22 years old. Started baseball as an outfielder in the second grade of elementary school. Switched to pitcher in earnest in the rubber-ball baseball club at Midorigaoka Junior High School. Joined the bench at Kanazawa in the fall of his first year. Lost to Komatsu Otani in the finals in the summer of his second year. Served as the ace from the fall of his second year and lost in the third round in the summer of his third year. His fastball reaches a maximum of 149 km/h, and his repertoire includes a slider, curveball, change-up, and splitter. 180 cm, 81 kg. Left-handed pitcher and left-handed batter.