As practice games and exhibition games begin in the latter half of February, anticipation for the start of the season is building. For Pacific League fans eagerly awaiting the start of the season, Pacific League Insight introduces players to watch for the 2026 season. This time, we're featuring pitcher Katsutoshi Tai Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles.

Katsutoshi Tai

Tai, who joined Tohoku Rakuten Eagles as the fourth pick in the 2021 draft, is a left-handed pitcher who is in his fifth year since graduating from high school this season.

He underwent surgery on his left elbow in 2023 and made two appearances in the farm team in 2024, but in his fourth year as a pro, the 2025 season, he blossomed as pitcher closer in the farm team. He recorded 30 saves, the most in both leagues, and won Eastern League 's Most Saves pitcher Award. He also made his first appearance in a first-division game on August 16th against Hokkaido Nippon-Ham, pitching in the eighth inning with a Ryota Isobata with a fastball for his first professional struck out.

He stood out in the Fukuoka Softbank game on September 24th, which was his second professional appearance. He showed a pitch that was not afraid of a strong batting line with 5 strike out in the 2nd inning. In particular, in the ninth inning of the second inning, he missed Tatsuru Yanagimachi and Taisei Makihara with a pitch of 151 km/h from first base with no outs, struck out and finished off Isami Nomura with a breaking ball swing struck out, showing a glimpse of the future closer with mound courage that I don't think it was his second appearance.

His long-awaited first professional win came on September 30th against Chiba Lotte Marines Marines. pitcher Yasushi took mound in the seventh inning with the score at 0-1. He allowed hit with two outs, but his teammates caught the opposing team stolen base, and he finished the inning runs. Then, in the eighth inning, consecutive hits by players Itsuki Murabayashi and Fumiya Kurokawa led Tohoku Rakuten Eagles to a comeback. pitcher Yasushi earned himself a delightful first win.

He finished 2025 with a 0.00 ERA in six appearances. He also showed his talent with 14 strike out in 6.1 innings. Expectations are high for him to establish himself as a regular in the first team in 2026 and play a part in the winning relay.