Soka University’s Masahiro Tateishi, who is inevitably going to compete in the draft, reveals his “too modest face.

He said, “My favorite is Dahyun from TWICE!”

The main star of the 2025 professional baseball draft is Soka University’s second baseman, Masahiro Tateishi.

Unlike in past years, there are no standout college pitchers expected to be heavily contested, and most top high school prospects have already announced plans to go to university. The only clear No. 1 overall candidate is Gunma’s Kendai Takasaki High School right-hander Genki Ishigaki, who clocks 158 km/h.

Meanwhile, Munetaka Murakami of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows is almost certain to pursue a move to the majors this offseason. The Giants’ Kazuma Okamoto has also announced he will seek a posting transfer, and Hanshin’s Teruaki Sato is likewise expected to head to the U.S. in the near future.

In this context, Tateishi — a right-handed power hitter who can play second, third, or first base — has become a highly sought-after prospect, viewed as a potential star who could fill the looming void of cornerstone infielders in the league.

“As the draft gets closer, I can’t help but feel anxious — like, will I really get picked? But at the same time, I’m excited,” Tateishi said. “If I can just stand at the starting line, I don’t mind which team it is. I’m fine with any of the 12 teams.”

Two weeks before the October 23 draft, Tateishi spoke in a one-on-one interview at Soka University’s World Ground, sharing his state of mind as the big day approached. Though he has been praised by media outlets and scouts alike, it was surprising to hear that even he harbors some fear of being passed over.

“I’ve seen players go through tough times at the draft,” he explained. “Take Kenta Yamada, for example — he went from Osaka Toin to Rikkyo University and now plays for Nippon Life. Everyone thought he’d be drafted for sure, but look what happened. Anything can happen in the draft. Honestly, I’m surprised at how highly I’m being evaluated, but if there really is a chance, I want to go pro as a top pick.”

Tateishi’s strength lies in his powerful wrists and his ability to square up fastballs from even the hardest-throwing pitchers, sending strong line drives to all fields.

“I think people are paying attention because I happen to play second base and have a certain hitting style that’s rare,” he said. “But honestly, it’s not like I always wanted to be a second baseman, and it’s not like I can hit left-handed — I’m just a right-handed hitter, that’s all,” he laughed. “I still have a long way to go as a player.”

He played shortstop when he first entered college, but second base became his regular position. He has also played third and first base. Given his versatility, could he switch back to shortstop as a professional?

“It’s not uncommon for shortstops to move to second base once they go pro, but you almost never see someone who’s never played shortstop before suddenly being asked to handle the position in the pros,” Tateishi noted.

My family says I’m kind of clumsy

Just before the Tokyo New University Baseball Fall League began in August, Tateishi sprained his ankle and damaged a ligament. Then, a week before the October 9 interview, he began to feel pain in his back and had to leave a game against Surugadai University midway through.

Unable to crown his amateur career with a league championship, he spent the season battling injuries for the first time in his baseball life.

“The stretched ligament has fully healed,” he said, “but because it had been immobilized, my range of motion was really limited. I want to get it back to 100% by the end of the year. While practicing and playing again with that limited mobility, I started feeling sharp pain in my back — like a slipped disc — and I couldn’t put power into my swing.

Everything connects from the ground up. I realized that if you neglect your lower body, your whole condition can fall apart. I’m glad I learned that before turning pro.”

Tateishi was born and raised in Yamaguchi Prefecture. His mother, Ikuyo, is a former volleyball player who represented Japan at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. His father was also a volleyball player, and his two older sisters play in the V.League. But among the three siblings, Tateishi — who began playing baseball at seven — chose a different path.

“Volleyball was always around, and I actually played it, too. I think my mom wanted me to take it seriously, but my dad loved baseball and wanted his son to play. Even while playing volleyball, I kind of knew I’d choose baseball in the end.”

The athleticism he inherited from his parents — his jumping ability and the way he uses his wrists when spiking — also proved useful in baseball.

“I think it helps with my fielding movements,” he said. “But my family’s always called me clumsy, and my parents didn’t really expect me to succeed as an athlete.

Through weight training and experimenting with different workouts, I’ve improved a lot since entering university — I run faster now, weigh more, and I still think my athletic ability has plenty of room to grow. The more I train, the more it’ll keep improving.”

During the 2021 summer Koshien, which was held without spectators due to COVID-19, Tateishi hit a massive home run to straightaway center in the first-round game against Komatsu Otani (Ishikawa). After that, he received offers from many top universities, including those in the prestigious Tokyo Big6 League. Ultimately, he chose Soka University, persuaded by the passionate recruitment of then-coach Takanori Horiuchi (now Soka High School coach).

In his second-year spring season, Tateishi won the Triple Crown (batting average, home runs, RBIs). By his third year, he was selected for the Samurai Japan Collegiate National Team.

“I felt like no place had ever wanted me that much. When I joined, there was a senior three years above me — Makoto Kadowaki (now with the Giants) — and I was told, ‘Just watch him and learn,’ which really helped. Honestly, if I’d gone to one of those baseball-elite universities, I might’ve lost motivation,” he laughed.

On his days off, Tateishi says he either rests or goes to a hot spring.

“I just want to relax, so I don’t go to the sauna — I don’t want to sweat even on off days,” he smiled.

At the dorm, he spends time playing games with his teammates.

“We play Smash Bros. or Knives Out. I’m terrible, but I hate losing, so I keep playing until I win,” he admitted with a laugh.

Though Tateishi has a gentle face and speaks modestly, when he faces the camera, his sharp yet refreshing smile lights up the room — the kind that easily wins hearts.

“That’s why I started playing baseball in the first place,” he joked.

What fate awaits Masahiro Tateishi, the humble yet charming star-in-the-making?