[Softbank Hawks] Manager Kokubo expresses concern over Stanford University's first-round draft pick, Rintaro Sasaki's hitting too well: "He might not come back? We know that, but we're still going for it." | Pacific League

[Softbank Hawks] Manager Kokubo expresses concern about Stanford University's first-round draft pick, Rintaro Sasaki, hitting too well: "He might not come back? We know that, but we're still going for him."

Sports Hochi

April 1, 2026 13:38

Director Hiroki Kokubo observes the battle situation (Photo by Kento Yamazaki)

◆ Pacific League Rakuten vs Softbank (1st, Rakuten Mobile)

Softbank Hawks Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo spoke to reporters before the game against Rakuten Eagles on the 1st and commented on their first-round draft pick, Stanford University infielder Rintaro Sasaki (2nd year). "If he hits like that, he probably wouldn't come to The Hawks, right? They knew that and still went for him as their first pick. He was batting .100 in February. He must have figured something out. He suddenly started hitting well," he said.

Sasaki hit his ninth home run in two consecutive games against Virginia Tech on March 28, and has been in a home run-producing mode with five homers in the last eight games. In February, he was struggling with a batting average of .194 and only two Home Run in 10 games.

If Sasaki is selected in the MLB draft in July, he will likely go to the major leagues, but if he is selected in the later rounds, he is likely to join The Hawks.

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