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

Kai Watanabe (22), catcher from Aoyama Gakuin University whose negotiating rights were acquired by Rakuten Eagles after a bidding war with Chunichi as the first overall pick in the draft, and Taisei pitcher whose negotiating rights were acquired by Softbank Hawks after a bidding war with Lotte, have both stated that their future goal is to "reunite" as a battery on the Samurai Japan national team. Furthermore, Watanabe vowed to be named to the Best Nine, and Suzuki vowed to win the most wins title.

Yasushi Suzuki waited for the moment at the Aoyama campus in Tokyo. Due to a glitch in the live broadcast, he missed the moment he was first drafted by Lotte, but he finally felt it was real when his name was called by the Softbank Hawks at the end. "I'm glad I was able to hear it clearly," he said with a smile. Afterwards, Chief Baseball Officer Kenji Jojima (50) won the negotiation rights by drawing the winning lot. Suzuki expressed his relief, saying, "I am happy to be drafted with such high praise, and I feel relieved."

The number one right-handed pitcher in college baseball, who commands a fastball boasting a top speed of 155 km/h along with a slider and a fork. When asked about his impression of the team, he said, 'They are a strong team with a lot of depth. I need to raise my own level as well.' His future goal is to win the title for most victories. He expressed his enthusiasm, saying, 'My strengths are my fastball and my ability to pitch boldly and aggressively. I want to become a player who can consistently lead the team to victory.'

Watanabe, who formed the battery with him, was selected as the first-round pick by the Rakuten Eagles. This marks the fourth consecutive year that two players from Aoyama Gakuin University have been selected in the first round. 'I have aimed for the first round since I entered the university. I am happy that I was able to achieve it.' In the future, there is a possibility of facing each other in the same league, and there is also a big dream beyond that. 'I want to wear the Samurai Japan uniform and form a battery with Watanabe again.' He aims to grow on the professional stage and reunite with his 'partner.' (Rin Terashita)