Former Pro Yutaka Takagi on Hiroshima Carp’s Draft Strategy: “They Needed an Immediate-Impact Pitcher,” but Says Selecting Takara Yamasato Was “the Right Strategy”

Yutaka Takagi and Shohei Tateyama discussed the Hiroshima Carp’s draft strategy on Professional Baseball News 2026, broadcast on Fuji TV ONE on October 22.

Program host Hiroki Nomura asked Takagi for his assessment of the Carp’s choices.

“The Carp have needs in the infield, and there’s also a possibility that pitchers could leave through free agency. I was wondering whether they would prioritize a pitcher or a position player. What do you think, Yutaka?” Nomura asked.

Takagi said the club had secured a valuable player with its first pick, but expressed concern about the team’s pitching situation.

“Getting him was a big deal, but I’m concerned about the two pitchers who are eligible for free agency. In that respect, I feel they could have used an immediate-impact pitcher. However, it’s difficult to find an amateur infielder who is a reliable fit at either shortstop or second base. So I think selecting Yamasato was the right strategy in its own way.”

Tateyama offered a different perspective, suggesting the decision might indicate that the club’s negotiations with its free-agent pitchers were progressing well.

“I think they went after Yamasato in the first round because they’re short on infielders. Looking at that decision, I get the impression that negotiations with the pitchers eligible for free agency may be going well. There are things only people inside the organization would know, and perhaps that’s why they were able to use the draft to select a pitcher with considerable upside.”

Takagi then highlighted the Carp’s middle-infield concerns.

“With two shortstops having left, you have to wonder whether Katsuda can handle the position for an entire season. Kikuchi is getting older, too, and Katsuda is more of a second baseman.”

Nomura concluded that the draft’s overall evaluation would depend heavily on what happened with the free agents.

“It’s difficult to judge. Depending on what happens with the free-agent players, this draft could be worth 90 points. If they leave, it could be worth only 60. I’d split the difference and give it 70.”

Hiroshima Carp’s 2026 Draft Selections

Players selected under the regular roster system

1st round: Takara Yamasato (Asia University, infielder)

2nd round: Keiya Nishino (Ritsumeikan University, catcher)

3rd round: Genki Nohara (Kyoto Sangyo University, pitcher)

4th round: Ryohei Yoshikawa (Chiba University of Commerce, pitcher)

5th round: Hotaka Mitsuhiro (Meiji University, infielder)

6th round: Kosei Mori (NTT East, pitcher)

Developmental players

1st round: Jin Kurumaya (Ibaraki Astro Planets, infielder)

2nd round: Asahi Tashiro (University of Tsukuba, catcher)

3rd round: Kaito Minayoshi (Nagasaki International University, infielder)