Akihiko Oya and Akio Saito, who appeared on "Professional baseball News 2026" broadcast on Fuji TV ONE on the 2nd, mentioned Softbank Hawks 's Shuto Ogata.

Oya expressed his expectations, saying, "He's at an age where he needs to carve out his own path. He's at the age where he can do that, and his high, fastball is fast. This is a great opportunity."

Saito predicted, "I think he'll come in as a starter with the determination to pitch his own style, so as Oya said, he has the power of the ball. He also has good control of his knuckle curve. I think he'll pitch with substance." He also gave his stamp of approval, saying, "I think he's pitcher who has the ability to win double digit games with the support of his batting line-up."

Softbank Hawks 's ace Kohei Arihara, has been transferred to Nippon-Ham. This has left the team with a weak starting lineup. It will be interesting to see if Ogata, who has been converted to a starting pitcher, can seize the opportunity.

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