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

Two teams competed for Aoyama Gakuin University pitcher Taisei Suzuki (4th year, Tokaidai Sugao) in the first round, and the Softbank Hawks won the negotiating rights. Suzuki, who received the nomination, said with an excited voice, "I was nervous, but I'm relieved. I'm very happy to be able to play for such a strong team."

His goal is to be a winning pitcher. Regarding the titles he wants to win in the future, he expressed his enthusiasm, saying, 'I think a winning pitcher is a good pitcher. I want to be able to win the title for most wins.'

In addition to a fastball boasting a top speed of 155 km/h, his breaking balls such as the slider and fork are also of a high level. He is the number one right-handed pitcher in college baseball, possessing excellent control as well. He has an ample track record in the Toto University League and on the Japan national collegiate team, contributing to six consecutive championships at Aoyama Gakuin University. He is such a talented player that many scouts from not only the NPB but also the Major Leagues come to observe him, and he is expected to be an immediate rotation pitcher in the pros.