Taiga Kamichatani of the Softbank Hawks contributed significantly to the team's third consecutive league title, working at full capacity in both starting and relief roles.

This season, Kamichatani pitched in a total of 36 games, with 10 starts and 26 relief appearances, throwing 91 innings with a record of 8 wins, 3 losses, 10 holds, 1 save, and an ERA of 3.26.

Appearing on 'Professional baseball News 2026' broadcast on Fuji TV ONE on October 5th, Tomotaka Sakaguchi evaluated, 'These are numbers built up while starting in relief and then moving to the starting rotation. If he hadn't been there when the team was struggling, I don't think they would have reached these figures, and he was truly reliable.'

Masaki Saito also offered words of appreciation, saying, 'I believe starting games during the season is an extremely difficult task. It means you have to throw a high number of pitches. Being able to do that is a huge help for the coaching staff.'

Hatsuhiko Tsuji, who has experience as a manager, said, "I think it is amazing how he can move from being a reliever to a starter and pitch at full capacity."

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