It was revealed on the 16th that Softbank Hawks 's starting third baseman, Ryoya Kurihara (29), will be trying his hand at catcher again. Kurihara, who is currently participating in the Miyazaki training camp, said, "This isn't just for fun," and immediately completed a full menu of catcher training, including bullpen catch and special fielding. Manager Hiroki Kokubo (54) explained that this is "part of the team-building theme of 'breaking things down,'" and stated his aim: "An ultra-aggressive lineup. We're exploring the possibility of becoming the most powerful batting lineup."

For a team aiming to win the Japan Series for the second consecutive year, starting catcher Umino's batting ability is one of their weaknesses. The "ultra-C" solution, "catcher Kurihara," was decided upon in a meeting with manager Kokubo, who summoned Kurihara to his room at the team lodgings. After confirming that Kurihara still had regrets about being catcher, he encouraged him to take on the challenge. While it is not yet decided whether to convert him to a full-fledged position or make it an option, the team has decided to set aside "catcher practice days" for this camp and continue to work on him.

Kurihara joined the team as catcher, but because there was a permanent catcher in Kai Takuya (currently The Giants) who was four years older than him, he took advantage of his batting ability and started playing mainly outfield from 2020, playing his last three games catcher in 2021. From 2023 he has been playing third base as his main position. He had surgery on his lower back in November last year and also has an old injury, having ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in March 2022. "I don't want to be a burden to pitcher and fielder, so I want to do my best." It won't be an easy challenge, but he will give it his all. (Shimao Koichiro)