Akio Saito and Takahiro Saeki, who appeared on "Pro baseball News 2026" broadcast on Fuji TV ONE on the 9th, commented on Rakuten Eagles 's first-round draft pick, Sota Fujiwara (Hanazono University).

Akio Saito said of Fujiwara, "I feel like he is the No. 1 university student pitcher. His arm swing is fast and he has a good fastball extension. The best is slider," he evaluated. He said, "The fastball throws so well, it feels like the hitter is floating up from underneath pitcher. He has tremendous control. I think he's going to do very well," he said.

Saeki also expressed his expectations, saying, "I saw him when I was a student. He's exactly as I imagined him back then, but his form doesn't slacken whether he's throwing fastball or breaking ball. From a batter's perspective, it seems like he has a great throwing style. As Saito Akio said, when a batter steps up to the plate, I think he'll feel like the ball is floating up."

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