[J:COM] "Pro Baseball Love Declaration!" Hanshin Tigers' Hiroto Saiki discusses his ideal ace persona and outlook for the 2026 season

As part of its commitment to comprehensive professional baseball broadcasts and live streaming, JCOM Co., Ltd. is serializing "Pro Baseball 'Love' Declaration!," where active players, former players, and celebrities share their "love" for the sport. The 14th installment features interviews with key players from last year's Pacific League champions, the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, and the Central League champions, the Hanshin Tigers. Hanshin Tigers pitcher Hiroto Saiki is featured.

The "Pro Baseball 'Love' Declaration!" series is delivered monthly to professional baseball fans across Japan via the J:COM subscriber program guide "J:COM Magazine" and the entertainment web magazine "J:magazine!." Starting in its second year, the series expanded to include active and former players alongside celebrity fans to discuss their passion for the game. In the 14th installment, you can enjoy Hiroto Saiki's "pro baseball love" as he states, "In 2026, I will focus on ERA and strikeouts."

━━Looking back at last season, where you contributed to the championship and won the ERA title:

Saiki: The best part was that the team won the championship. Personally, I won a title, but in terms of my own performance, there were games where I was hit in situations where I should have held them, and I won because the fielders helped me out, so I still feel I could have performed better. I view the areas where I fell short as room for future growth.

━━What does the mound at Koshien, which is always packed, mean to you?

Saiki: It's a very comfortable place. When I get an out, I can hear the huge roar of the crowd. That feels amazing. In that moment, I'm in a high state, and hearing that roar adds even more heat, naturally bringing out the adrenaline.

━━What are your goals for this season, such as specific numbers?

Saiki: I want to be particular about not giving up runs, so I want to aim for an ERA in the 1.00s again this season. Also, I want to increase my strikeouts and aim for about 200 for the season. I will be focusing on my ERA and strikeout totals.

▼ "Pro Baseball 'Love' Declaration!" Publication Media

Entertainment Web Magazine "J:magazine!"

Read the full interview with Hiroto Saiki here: https://jmagazine.myjcom.jp/category/sports/post001222/

With the key message "Stay fired up for baseball!," J:COM continues to connect with professional baseball throughout the season.