Appearing on "Professional baseball News 2026" broadcast on Fuji TV ONE on the 2nd, Tomotaka Sakaguchi mentioned Lotte's Kodai Inoue.

Sakaguchi explained, "When he was with The Tigers, there were times when he looked like he could seize the opportunity. He changed his batting style to a no-step style and made some adjustments, and I think he showed something last year. He's moved to a team that will be having a tough training camp this year, and where he can get a lot of practice."

"I'm sure there will be a chance, so I hope he can find his rhythm while he can still hit a few times, and it's appealing that right-handed hitter can hit such long balls. I hope he does his best," he said, offering his encouragement.

Inoue joined Hanshin Tigers as the second pick in the 2019 draft and has long been expected to be a potential right-handed long-distance hitter. In 2024, he recorded a batting average of .308, the highest in the Western League League, in the farm team, but he was unable to fully blossom in the first team. This season, he joined the team through the active player draft and aims to become a regular player in his new environment.

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