On the 2nd, Tomotaka Sakaguchi and Masaki Saito appeared on "Professional baseball News 2026" broadcast on Fuji TV ONE and mentioned Orix Buffaloes Ryuhei Sotani.

Sakaguchi said, "Considering the pitcher that Soya is throwing, he is pitcher who should win more games. He started well last year, and was selected for the WBC when he was expected to win 10 games, but he had some issues to work on. I think he will absorb a lot of things there and become a good pitcher. I think he will grow and return to the season with the pitcher to win 10 games." It is precisely because he has high expectations for Soya that he urged him to further improve his level.

Saito speculated, "I think being selected for the WBC will be a great opportunity for pitcher Soya. I think he will be able to learn a lot. He may feel intimidated at times because everyone around him is so amazing, but I think if he absorbs a lot of things and returns to the team, it will have a positive effect on him."

Last season, Soya pitched 21 games and 114 1/3 innings, finishing with 8 wins and 8 losses and ERA of 4.01. In his three years as a professional, he never reached the required innings pitched pitched or achieved double-digit win. He has been selected to represent Japan in the WBC to be held in March, and he hopes to make a breakthrough this season at the WBC.

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