Lotte’s Atsuki Taneichi: “I’ve always aimed to be number one” – expectations are rising for him to become the No. 1 pitcher in NPB
Baseball King
2025.12.24(æ°´) 04:24
“I say this every year, but strike out title is the most highly evaluated indicator, so I want to aim for that.”
Lotte’s Atsuki Taneichi has set his sights on winning the title for most strike out next season.
In the first half of the season, he pitched 86 1/3 innings in 14 games, with a record of 3 wins and 6 losses, 67 strike out, and ERA of 3.65. However, he said, “I think the best thing was that I was able to think about my mechanics on my own. I lengthened the individual practice. I tried to leave the group practice early and give myself 30 minutes to an hour to think.” After the All-Star break, he pitched 74 1/3 innings in 10 games, with a record of 6 wins and 2 losses, 94 strike out, and an amazing ERA of 1.45.
He achieved quality starts (three earned runs) in nine of his ten games, and missed the QS against Nippon-Ham on October 4th. He was originally scheduled to pitch five inning, and closer five runs innings. He recorded a personal best of 15 strike out in a single game against Nippon-Ham on September 27th, and has recorded double-digit strike out four times since the All-Star break. His 41 strike out in August and 48 strike out in September and October are league-leading records.
He has continued to improve with the same desire and curiosity since his rookie days. This offseason, too, he is not satisfied with pitch after the All-Star break, saying, “I’ve been busier since the last month than I was during the season,” and is training hard to show The Marines fans his next level of pitching.
With that in mind, what do you think is necessary to perform well throughout the season?
“It’s technique. I think technique is the most important thing. Of course, physical strength is necessary, but I think it’s important to know how to throw in a way that doesn’t tire you out and doesn’t cause you injury.”
When asked by reporters at the contract renewal meeting about his future plans to challenge the majors, Taneichi replied, “I have told the team.” In order to challenge the majors, he needs to become the number one pitcher in NPB.
“I’ve always aimed to be the best, so I want to become pitcher that everyone thinks is the best.”
Since becoming the best pitcher in Japan, he has a strong desire to challenge the majors. If he can perform well throughout the season, he will achieve his long-held goal of winning the most strike out title, as well as major titles such as best ERA and most wins, and becoming the team’s first player to win the Sawamura Award is not just a dream. His expression when he spoke about his training at the press conference showed such satisfaction that I myself can’t wait to see bullpen at next year’s spring training camp. That’s how much I’m looking forward to it. I hope he will achieve overwhelming results in NPB next season and show us pitch that will amaze not only The Marines fans, but fans of all 12 teams.
Interview and text by Yuta Iwashita