Kenji Tomashino and Tomotaka Sakaguchi, 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).

Koshino commented, "I had the opportunity to watch the training camp and practice games in Okinawa, and Manager Miki said at the time that his ball was amazing when it hooked. He still has some inconsistencies, sometimes it hooks and sometimes it slips out a little, so I think he was watching to see if he would become more consistent. He has a stable, spinny fastball that hooks well in the fingers, and a sharp slider." He added, "If he keeps going like this, he'll be in the rotation as pitcher who could be a candidate for Rookie of the Year. Manager Miki is watching that as well."

Sakaguchi also praised him, saying, "He has great potential. Even just slider has an incredible curve, it's amazing."

Fujiwara has pitched nine innings in three exhibition games so far, strike out and posting an ERA of 0.00.

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