Hanshin Tigers · Pitcher (starter)
A right-handed starter for the Hanshin Tigers. Born in 1998 and standing 189 cm, the 2016 third-round pick underwent Tommy John surgery in 2020, returned in 2022 after nearly three years out, and won the 2025 Central League ERA title (1.55). A high-90s mph fastball and a sharp splitter are his weapons.
He is highly regarded abroad. After he struck out seven — including Ohtani and Freeman — in a Tokyo Dome game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts called his stuff "major-league." Giants baseball boss Buster Posey reportedly traveled to Japan to scout him, and MLB.com wrote he would have been "one of the most sought-after free-agent pitchers had Hanshin agreed to post him."
He filed for posting after the 2025 season, but the club declined it to avoid losing two rotation arms at once. He has stated his MLB ambitions, and a future move looks likely.
A power right-hander with a high-90s fastball and splitter, projecting as an MLB mid-rotation starter.
As of 2026-06-30 · Source: NPB official
NPB Prospects阪神のエース才木浩人を、海外はどう見ているか。MLB.com・The Athletic・ドジャース公式・FanGraphs の評価をまとめた。ドジャースのロバーツ監督は東京ドームで大谷・フリーマンらから7奪三振した才木を「メジャー級」と絶賛。ジャイアンツのポージー編成トップも来日視察したと報じられた。2025年オフにポスティングを申請したが球団が不承認とした、いま最も“惜しまれる”逸材。原文・出典は発言者名のリンクから。
