Mr. Takagi: "Maeda was the one who supported us this year," and "Kamichatani filled in the most difficult spots."

Softbank Hawks won four consecutive games in the SMBC Japan Series 2026 to become the champions of Japan for the second year in a row. On the Fuji TV ONE program Professional baseball News 2026 broadcast on the 28th, the commentators named this season's pitcher MVP.

Kenichi Yazawa evaluated the two pitcher who supported the reliever corps, saying, 'Osuna and Hernandez from the reliever onwards. These two foreigners were both there to bridge the gap to Kazuki Sugiyama at the back. The value of these two was immense. They have power, as seen today (Game 4). It's a right-handed pitcher and a left-handed pitcher, after all.' When Yutaka Takagi mentioned, 'left-handed hitter must hate Hernandez's pitching style; the ball seems to come from behind them,' Yazawa agreed, saying, 'That's because of his cross-step.'

Hatsuhiko Tsuji analyzed, "Compared to last season, the added value of Yugo Maeda and Taiga Kamichatani is significant. I believe this is what led to the 91 wins." Regarding Maeda's characteristics, he stated, "He simply doesn't lose. Also, he has a lot of nerve and can pitch with strikes ahead in the count. I think that part of him is amazing. He is still only 21 years old; it is frightening to think how good he will become." Mr. Takagi evaluated, "He created a surplus of 11 wins (with 12 wins and 1 loss this season), and since it was zero last year, considering that, I think Yugo Maeda is the one player who supported the team this year. He was delivering such dignified pitches that it was hard to believe he is only 21." Mr. Yazawa expressed expectations for his performance next season, saying, "He has the ball quality to throw to the inside corner against left-handed hitters. In that sense, he can firmly act as a closer against left-handed hitters as well. He will likely continue to evolve further."

Furthermore, regarding Kamichatani, Mr. Tsuji commented, "He is amazing. A pitcher who was throwing in relief moves to the starting rotation and wins there. His tempo is so good that I think he is very easy to defend behind. I have a strong impression that he looks like he is having fun while throwing on the mound." Mr. Takagi praised him, saying, "He really worked at full capacity; Kamichatani filled in the most difficult spots. When there was a slight shortage of relievers, he started as a reliever, and even after returning to being a starter, he can win. I think he worked very hard at full capacity." Mr. Tanizawa mentioned his suitability as a starter, saying, "With this many types of breaking balls, it is a waste to have him as a reliever or closer. He should definitely be in the starting rotation; although he had 8 wins this season, his abundance of pitch types was effective as a starter." Mr. Takagi lamented, "He probably wanted to throw in the Japan Series too, even just a little bit."

☆ Cooperation: Fuji TV ONE "Professional baseball News 2026"