SMBC Japan Series 2026 Game 4: Softbank Hawks 4-2 DeNA (28th, Mizuho PayPay)

Softbank Hawks outfielder Tomoya Masaki was named the MVP of the SMBC Japan Series 2026. In this series, he recorded a hit in all four games, finishing with a .438 batting average, 2 Home Runs, and 2 RBI.

In his fifth professional season this year, Masaki broke through by appearing in a career-high 101 regular-season games, recording a .274 batting average, 28 Home Runs, and 59 RBI. Although he is not fast with zero stolen bases, he established himself as a regular for the perennial winning team as a number one hitter with power. His seven leadoff Home Runs set a new club record.

In the Japan Series, he got off to a strong start in Game 1 with three times on base, including multiple hits. In Game 2, he hit a go-ahead solo home run to left field in the third inning. In Game 3, after the series moved to the home stadium, he drove a walk-off home run into the left-field stands in the 10th extra inning—something he called 'probably a first in my life'—leading the team to a clean sweep and putting them one win away from the championship.

The rapidly improving Japanese-made power hitter was also selected as an overage player for the 'Luxas Asia Professional baseball Championship 2026' (November 12-15, Tokyo Dome). Samurai Japan aims to secure a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics at next year's international tournament, 'Premier 12'. Manager Iguchi, who leads the national team, expressed high expectations for Masaki's valuable slugging power, stating, 'He is a necessary player for Premier 12.' The slugger, whose evaluation is skyrocketing, delivered a brilliant performance on Japan's highest stage.

Tomoya Masaki. Born November 5, 1999, in Tokyo. 26 years old. At Keio University, he won the Meiji Jingu Tournament in the fall of his second year and the All Japan University Baseball Championship in the spring of his fourth year. He joined the Softbank Hawks as a second-round draft pick in 2021. From his first year, he seized opportunities to play, hitting 3 Home Runs in 35 games, but last season he was limited to 17 games due to a left shoulder subluxation in April. This season, he primarily batted first, contributing to the team's third consecutive league title with a .274 batting average, 28 Home Runs, and 59 RBI in 101 games. He hit 7 leadoff Home Runs, breaking the club record. 182 cm, 89 kg. Right-handed pitcher and right-handed hitter.