Let’s predict the draft picks for high school fielders to watch in 2026.
Top high school fielder draft candidates
As of January, there were two top draft picks. Komoda is a two-way player, and used to play primarily at first base, but in the fall he played at third base. He is a big player and still has issues with his footwork, but if he can react to strong batted balls like So Murakami, it’s not out of the question that he could play at third base as well. However, I think he will end up playing a dual role as a DH and pitcher like Shohei Ohtani. He stands out from the Japanese scale in terms of size, and is definitely a player that Japan would like to have as a treasure.
Ryo TanakaThe player’s strikes are firmly drawn in, and the ball is generally returned strongly toward the center, but there are also some shots that are well swung inside the course. I think it’s safe to say that his batting technique is at the level of a college student. He is also attractive as a first baseman because he can defend using his footwork despite his large size. There are many students at Nippon University who go on to higher education, so their career paths are attracting attention, but if they go on to university,Koichiro OdaHe is a player who is likely to become a player class player.
Mou LixiangThe player’s level of play as an outfielder feels like it could already be played by a professional player. He has a good physique and is quick on his feet, and I think he is a player who could play as the No. 1 center for nearly 20 years even in the pros. In batting, you aim to get on base by hitting the ball after being forced into a corner, but I think it would be better to get on base with a strong batted ball even after being forced into a corner. I would like to rate him as the second generation of Yangtai Steel.
Other high school fielders likely to be drafted
catcher
There are not many candidates, butRintora YamadaI’m looking forward to seeing the players’ shoulders and batting. I think it would be better to hit the ball closer to the front of the ball when it comes to attracting it and then returning it strongly, but you can also make contact and swing. And his throwing is compact, and with the strength of his shoulders, he can extend the ball all the way to second base. If you aspire to be a professional, you’ll probably be nominated.Watanabe SeaIt seems possible that he will aim to be the No. 1 pick in college, just like the player he is.
Nakagome UniversityThe player showed a shot that showed potential at Koshien last summer. His left-handed swing and long batted ball give him hope as a slugger.Ao NaitoAs a right-handed power hitter, he hits the ball with great force and has the strength to easily throw a ball out.
infielder
Daisho KojoHe is also a right-handed slugger, but his hitting is not as solid as Tanaka’s. However, the strength of the full swing may be better. I want to pay attention to how this blow settles down. I would rather evaluate the defense. Although he has a large body, his good footwork in the third field is very attractive. If he can make his throwing a little more consistent, he will be able to defend in the third position.
Monster of AwaSoma InayamaThe batting that the player showed at Koshien was impressive. Place the ball well in the strike zone and hit it past the head of the center outfielder. He is also good at hitting in the opposite direction, and his slugging power with 21 home runs in total in high school is probably one of the best in his generation.
Seima IkedaAs a pitcher, the player is a shortstop with a strong shoulder who can throw pitches over 150 km, and his defensive batting is also powerful, so it would be interesting if he could add a little softness and techniques that go beyond simply bouncing back the hits.Shunyou OnoAs a left-handed hitter, the player can hit among the best of his generation, and as a first baseman, his defensive ability is also very high. If both of them aspire to become professional players, it is likely that they will be nominated, but seeing as Abe also went on to higher education, it may be more likely that he will go on to higher education.
Shintaro YoshiokaAlthough he is a large left-handed hitter, he is a highly adaptable hitter who is difficult to hit, and he has no trouble at all with Yokohama High School’s pitchers.Masago SematsuAs a second baseman, the player shines with his movement and good judgment, and when it comes to batting, you can feel his sense of swinging inside the ball and sending it into the right field stands.
outfielder
Fumiya AkamaI think he is a more scary batter than Kojo. Kojo’s swing speed is faster, but he has better power to wrap up the ball and carry it over the heads of the outfield. If the ball hits the bat even a little, it will fly all the way to the outfield fence.
Ishida YuseiHe is a left-handed bat who can catch pitches well and hit both right and left, and he is a player who runs well and can use his feet, and is second only to Murae as the number one center candidate.Goto AsanobuHe is also a candidate for center field, and is an exciting outfielder who has all the triple beats, not only with quick feet that can run 50 meters in 5 seconds and strong shoulders, but also the ability to hit long distances in the opposite direction.
Prediction of nomination order
Let’s compare him to high school fielders nominated in 2025 and predict his pick order.
2025-High school catcher draft candidates and everyone’s evaluation
We will introduce evaluations of draft candidates, videos, and everyone’s comments.
2025-High school infielder draft candidates and everyone’s evaluation
We will introduce evaluations of draft candidates, videos, and everyone’s comments.
2025-High school outfielder draft candidates and everyone’s evaluation
We will introduce evaluations of draft candidates, videos, and everyone’s comments.
