Masaki Saito and Tomotaka Sakaguchi, who appeared on "Professional baseball News 2026" broadcast on Fuji TV ONE on the 2nd, mentioned Seibu Lions Natsuki Takeuchi.

Saito said, "The year before last was great. I saw him many times on the pro baseball news and he was really good pitcher. Last year, he started the season with an injury, but I think he will be able to do well once the injury is healed. The good thing about him is that he is clever. He can do everything well pitcher. I hope that will come out," he evaluated.

Sakaguchi encouraged him, saying, "He's pitcher has had a beautiful presence and posture on mound since he was a rookie, so he's calm and can lead the starting lineup well. He's someone we need to have as our ace. He's one of those players who the team will be in trouble if he doesn't work at full speed."

In his first year in 2012, Takeuchi was named Rookie of the Year with a record of 10 wins (6 losses) and an ERA of 2.17, but last season he was slow to start due to an injury and showed little brilliance, pitching in 12 games with a record of 4 wins (5 losses) and an ERA of 5.26.

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