2026 Draft News
Aoyama Gakuin University, which became the third school in history to win six consecutive championships in the Toto University Baseball League and consecutive victories at the Meiji-Jingu Tournament, held its last practice of the year on December 23rd at a field in Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Next spring, the team will be challenging for an unprecedented seven consecutive league championships, and at the heart of the team will be their new captain, who is also the No. 1 candidate in next fall’s draft.Watanabe SeaCatcher (3rd year, Chiben Wakayama) and right-handed player with the fastest speed of 154km/h.Yasunari SuzukiPitcher (3rd year, Tokai University Sugao). The strongest duo has entered the winter of competition in order to break the record set by their great seniors of being drafted first for three years in a row and producing multiple draft picks for four years in a row, and moreover, for being the first pick on a battery.
The feat of “four consecutive years” that you have to be aware of
The golden age of Seigaku University also rewrote the history of the draft. in 2023Chang Guangyu also fights(Hiroshima 1st place)・Shimomura Kaixiang(1st place in Hanshin), 2024Nishikawa Fumi Reef(Lotte 1st place)・Yasushi Sasaki(1st place in Hiroshima), and this year’sChinese and Western Shenghui(1st place in Chunichi)・Koichiro Oda(DeNA 1st place). This is the first time in history that the same team has had two No. 1 draft picks for three consecutive years.
pick up the next batonWatanabe SeaThe captain welcomes the pressure, saying, “We’re both aiming for the same thing. We’ve been going on this long so we have to be conscious, but it’s also rewarding (Sponichi).” Furthermore, he strongly declared, “I want to finish in first place. I have to be conscious that there are two people who have been in first place for three years in a row. That, on the other hand, is rewarding for me. I see it as a positive (Nikkan Sports).”
Yasunari Suzuki “Finally my year has come”, undisputed 1st place
ace candidateYasunari SuzukiThe pitcher also approaches his final year with extraordinary determination. “In high school, I set a goal to be drafted first by a university without going pro, and it feels like my year has finally come (Nikkan Sports),” he says, looking ahead to the long-awaited match.
This year, he made a full-fledged transition from closer to starting pitcher, pitching as the second man behind the ace pitcher Nakanishi, but although he had a track record of 2 wins and 0 losses in the spring and 3 wins and 2 losses in the fall, there was still a noticeable difference in stability from pitcher Nakanishi. Pitcher Suzuki is not satisfied, saying, “I want to stick to being the undisputed number one (Daily Sports).” “I’m often said to be a candidate for number one, but I don’t think I’ll be able to reach number one unless I step up to the next level (Nikkan Sports)” and plans to increase weight from his current weight of 90 kg to create a “body that doesn’t get tired.”
“Comprehensive strength” and “V7” advocated by new captain Watanabe
Meiji University at this year’s draft meeting.Kojima TaigaThe player was drafted number one by Saitama Seibu. Although he serves as a benchmark for fellow college catchers, Watanabe’s appeal is his “overall strength.” “How much can we control the game and increase the probability of winning, including with our batting?” (Daily Sports), increasing his domination as the key to Ogi. In fact, Kojima played as a DH for the Samurai Japan University National Team, while Watanabe wore a mask as the regular catcher. His accomplishments include wearing a mask at Aoyama Gakuin University since his first year of university and leading the pitchers who were drafted first.
His problem is his batting, which has been a bit uneven.This spring, he had a batting average of .324 with two home runs, but in the fall, he had a batting average of .159, one home run, and a hit by a pitch.He is trying to increase the number of times he gets on base, and is working on overcoming the problems, but he has a total of eight home runs in the league so far and has long hitting power, so if he can show off his batting, then nothing will be better. However, even if his batting appeal is the same as this year, there is a high possibility that he will be drafted first as an immediate catcher.
Captain Watabe’s goal is to become the first player in league history to win seven consecutive championships and four university titles. “Next year, we will build our seventh and eighth consecutive championships, and our ultimate goal is to win four titles.We want to do that without wavering until the end (Nikkan Sports).” In order to protect and further evolve the tradition of the ever-winning team, the strongest battery will run towards the top of college baseball.
Umi Watabe Profile
- full name: Kai Watanabe
- Affiliation: Aoyama Gakuin University (3rd year)
- Birthplace: Chiben Wakayama High School
- position: catcher
- Throwing: Right pitch, right hit
- Height/weight: 180cm、88kg
- Main features and achievements: A regular strong-hitting catcher since the spring of his first year. Contributed to six consecutive league titles and four national championships. University representative from Japan. He will be the captain of the new team.
Yasunari Suzuki Profile
- full name: Taisei Suzuki
- Affiliation: Aoyama Gakuin University (3rd year)
- Birthplace: Tokai University Sugou High School
- position: pitcher
- Throwing: Right pitch, right hit
- Height/weight: 187cm、90kg
- Main features and achievements: A large right-hander who throws fastballs with a maximum speed of 154km/h. After gaining experience as a reliever, he became a starter in his third year. University representative from Japan.
Aoyama Gakuin University draft candidates and everyone’s evaluation
We will introduce evaluations of draft candidates, videos, and everyone’s comments.
2026-College catcher draft candidates and everyone’s evaluation
We will introduce evaluations of draft candidates, videos, and everyone’s comments.
2026-College pitcher draft candidates and everyone’s evaluation
We will introduce evaluations of draft candidates, videos, and everyone’s comments.
Seigaku University captain Watanabe wants to play at the same time as right-hander Suzuki at the fastest speed of 154 km “I have to be conscious” – Sponichi Sponichi Annex Baseball
Seigaku University, which became the third school in history to win six consecutive championships in the Toto University Baseball League, held its last practice of the year on the 23rd at a field in Sagamihara City.
Seigaku University becomes the first player in history to be nominated as No. 1 in W Drama for 4 consecutive years Watanabe “I have to be conscious” Suzuki and 7 consecutive wins & aim to become professional Activity ends by the end of the year/Daily Sports online
On the 23rd, Seigaku University, which became the third school in history to win six consecutive championships in Toto University baseball, concluded its activities for the end of the year in Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and the top candidates for next fall’s draft, catcher Kai Watabe (3rd year, Chiben Wakayama) and pitcher Yasunari Suzuki (3rd year, Tokai University Sugou), expressed their desire to be the “first pick in the double draft” for the first time in history for four consecutive years.
Next year’s draft candidate Yasunari Suzuki of Aogaku University says, “My year has finally come.” “One more step” towards his goal of being drafted No. 1 – Amateur Baseball: Nikkan Sports
On the 23rd, Toto University baseball team Aogakudai held its final practice at the university’s ground in Sagamihara City. The year of competition is coming. Pitcher Yasunari Suzuki (3rd year, Tokai University Sagami), who is considered a top candidate for next year’s draft, said, “… – Nikkan Sports Newspaper’s news site, Nikkan Sports.com (nikkans…
After completing his training for Aogaku University, next year’s draft candidate Kai Watabe declares he will continue to be the “No. 1” and is determined to lead the university to four championships – Amateur Baseball: Nikkan Sports
On the 23rd, Toto University baseball team Aogakudai held its final practice at the university’s ground in Sagamihara City. Practice started early in the morning and ended at 10 o’clock with a seat knock. This year, the team has made six consecutive league appearances… – Nikkan Sports Newspaper’s news site, Nikkan Sports.com (nikkans…
[College Baseball]Seigaku University’s Umi Watabe & Yasunari Suzuki are motivated to be the “1st pick” in next fall’s draft with battery power, trying to achieve the feat of being the 1st pick for 4 consecutive years: Chunichi Sports/Tokyo Chunichi Sports
Seigaku University’s catcher Kai Watanabe (3rd year, Chiben Wakayama) and pitcher Yasunari Suzuki (3rd year, Tokai University Sugou), who achieved six consecutive league championships in Toto University baseball, attended next year’s draft on the 23rd…
[College Baseball]Seigaku University Battery aims to be nominated as “Dragon 1 Double” for 4th consecutive year Pitcher Yasunari Suzuki “Finally, it’s my year” – Sports Hochi
Seigaku University, which became the third school in history to win six consecutive championships in the Toto University League, held its last practice of the year on the 23rd at a field in Sagamihara, Kanagawa.
