The Rakuten Eagles of 2024, where the performances of players in their 20s stood out, gave us a sense of the dawn of a new era.In order to head towards a better future, the rise of young players will be the key to the team's growth from now on.This time, the syncSPORTS by Rakuten editorial team will introduce these three individuals.Come on, let's all cheer together!

Daisuke Nakashima – Leveraging his captaincy experience from university days to become a central player in the team!

While Nakashima’s skills are undoubtedly impressive, we also want to draw attention to his strong leadership qualities and his remarkable character.Not only in play, but also with his voice and posture, he is expected to lead the team. No doubt, he will become a figure who carries the future of the Rakuten Eagles on his shoulders.

In his fourth year at Aoyama Gakuin University, he led as captain and won the Spring Tokyo University Baseball League, shining as the best in Japan.Furthermore, he served as the captain of the Japanese team in the Japan-USA Collegiate Baseball Championship Series , leading them to victory.Even after that, in his first year, he made his major league debut, marking his first professional hit and first home run. Nakashima, who excites the stands with plays that contribute to victory, reportedly felt a lack of strength after experiencing the major leagues.

“The seniors who regularly appear have covered my mistakes without saying anything, given me advice, and really made me feel like I can rely on them.In turn, I felt a sense of insufficiency within myself, and I began to strongly feel that I want to become a player who is trusted like my seniors and can carry the team on my back.”

To become a reliable player, it’s necessary to gain trust from teammates, and there are things that need to be consciously considered in daily life.

“I am conscious of the fact that what needs to be done does not change no matter where I am.Whether you’re in the first team or the second team, if you practice with the attitude of wanting to excel in the first team at all times, I think the way your teammates see you will change, and you may become a player who receives their support. In the future, I definitely want to become a star.”

Nakashima talks about the future with a refreshing smile.It seems like he is  still becoming a more and more attractive player!

Nakashima who joined the team as the sixth pick in the 2023 draft.When he was promoted to the first team in July, he exuded an unusual presence for a rookie through his game-changing plays.

Fumiya Kurokawa – Earn a Regular Position with Strong Hitting and Unwavering Effort

Kurokawa, who joined the team as the second draft pick in 2019.During spring training camp, he is a hard worker who stays on the baseball field longer than anyone else to swing his bat. His unwavering dedication to baseball captivates many fans.With his powerful batting, he is expected to be the successor of Hideto Asamura, so we would love to see him grow as a mainstay in the next 5 to 10 years.

The star player, who has participated in Koshien (Japanese High School Baseball Championship) five times in both spring and summer during his high school days, has gained experience on the big stage. This season, he has participated in 22 games in the first team.He has made an appeal with one home run, 8 RBIs, and a batting average of .263 in the scoring position.However, it seems that he has also taken on challenges, and this has further fueled Kurokawa’s ambition for improvement.

“In batting, I’m focusing on hitting powerful balls, and in defense, I’m working on throwing powerful balls. I am consciously striving for strength.”

With the challenges obtained in the first team, I’m back to sweating it out in the second team every day. He says “I want to become the center of the team someday and play. With that in mind, I’m eager to secure a regular position in the first team.” with his eyes sparkling.The strength and punching power that was honed during high school will surely be demonstrated on the professional stage as well.

“I want people to see me enjoying the game no matter what the situation is.”

With a charming smile that captivates fans and a strong competitive batting, he is expected to become a player who will brightly illuminate the future of the team.I am eagerly waiting for the day when I can continuously watch Kurokawa’s vibrant play in the major league.

Kurokawa is a 23-year-old professional player in his fifth year since graduating from high school.Having achieved remarkable results in the minor leagues last season, including a record 104 hits in the Eastern League, he is just one step away from making it to the major leagues.

Ryuya Taira – Honing His Weapon to Become a “Small Big Hitter”

One of the promising players who made his professional debut and recorded his first hit in his second season this year.While his height of 170 cm cannot be considered as particularly outstanding, he leverages his high physical ability and powerful striking, along with his swift speed, as his weapons.

“I want to show that I can excel even with a small body”

Never using physique as an excuse, and polishing their own weapons to shine in the world of professional Baseball should certainly become a great hope for children.Additionally, during spring training camp, he also worked on his outfield defense, which broadened his range and became a turning point for his professional debut.The reckless attitude of appealing with few chances is also one of the factors that would make one want to support.

I was impressed by the play of Jose Altuve, a 168cm powerful hitter who came to Japan for a Japan-US Baseball game in my first year of university.He won the batting champion and stolen base leader titles in the Major League, hit over 30 home runs, and despite his small stature, he aspired to succeed worldwide and began to aim for it.I watched videos over and over again to study the gameplay, absorbing anything that I could apply to myself.Now as a professional baseball player, he is beginning to become a figure who inspires children with his active performance in the major league, just as he once was.

Even when watching the team’s battles this year, small tactics like bunts and stolen bases become major weapons.The situations where Taira’s play is required are expected to increase even more.With a cheerful personality, there’s no doubt that they will become an indispensable player on the bench as a mood maker!I would like you to start cheering for the growth into a “small great hitter.”

A 26-year-old who joined the team as the fifth pick in the 2023 draft after going through university and working as a member of society.In his second year this season, he made his first appearance in the major league and made an impression.Pay attention to the impressive speed of 50 meters in 5.9 seconds.

It’s delightful to watch the energetic performance of young players bringing momentum to the team.While the stable play of veteran players is different and can be a bit nerve-wracking, one of the joys of cheering for young players is even being able to enjoy that.Of course, besides the ones we’ve introduced this time, there are many other players on the Rakuten Eagles that you would want to cheer for.Whether you’re watching a first team game or you’re still not familiar with the Rakuten Eagles, why not try to find your favorite player?

TEXT: Chiharu Abe
EDIT: Yohsuke Watanabe, Shiori Saeki (IN FOCUS)