Rentaro Seki, 14, joins Yomiuri Giants after draft selection

Rentaro Seki, a 14-year-old catcher from Kawasaki Municipal Mukogaoka Junior High School, has officially accepted a developmental draft selection by the Yomiuri Giants. Seki is making an unprecedented move by entering professional baseball directly from junior high school rather than through the traditional high school baseball route.

During a press conference in Kawasaki, Seki expressed his ambition to become an elite professional player, citing former Giants legend Alex Ramirez as an inspiration. Standing 179 cm tall and weighing 82 kg, Seki has drawn significant attention for his physical maturity and his exceptional arm strength, which allows him to complete second-base throws in under two seconds.

Seki previously served as the captain of the Japan national team during the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup, where he earned a Best Nine selection. His upcoming plan involves residing in the Giants' player dormitory while attending a full-time high school, balancing academic studies with professional training to aim for a spot on the main roster within three to four years.