Giants fans, get ready — excitement is building ahead of the 2025 NPB Draft! One name stands out above the rest: Kazuyuki Takemaru, the left-handed ace of Saginomiya Seisakusho. The Yomiuri Giants have already announced him as their first-round pick, and scouts across Japan are calling him the No.1 left-handed pitcher in the industrial leagues.
With his poise, precision, and maturity on the mound, Takemaru looks ready to compete for a spot in the Giants’ starting rotation as early as next season.
🧢 Player Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Kazuyuki Takemaru (竹丸 和幸) |
| Date of Birth | February 26, 2002 (Age 23) |
| Hometown | Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture |
| Height / Weight | 179 cm / 75 kg |
| Throws / Bats | Left / Left (Three-quarter arm slot) |
| Current Team | Saginomiya Seisakusho (JABA Tokyo – Industrial League) |
⚾ Career Journey and Development
Elementary to Junior High:
Takemaru began playing baseball at Yaga Elementary and continued with the softball team at Futaba Junior High.
High School (Sotoku High):
He spent most of his time coming off the bench and didn’t record any major achievements.
College (Josai University):
Played in the Tokyo Metropolitan University League (Division 2) as a reliever before switching to a starting role in fall 2021. His ERA and strikeout rate improved steadily from that point.
Industrial League (Saginomiya Seisakusho):
Joining the company team in 2024, Takemaru quickly rose to become their ace starter in his rookie year. He commands a fastball topping 152 km/h (94 mph) and mixes in a changeup, slider, and curveball with excellent control.
He’s known for limiting hits and keeping his team in games — a dependable “pitch-to-win” lefty.
Despite the attention, Takemaru remains calm under pressure.
On the eve of the draft, he commented,
“I’m open to all 12 teams. I don’t have a specific preference.”
That quiet confidence and mental toughness are trademarks of his style.
Interestingly, Takemaru once considered quitting baseball, but a mentor’s encouragement reignited his passion. He’s the very definition of a hardworking, self-made southpaw.
🏆 Notable 2025 Season Highlights
Intercity Baseball Tournament 2025
- Round 1 (vs TDK): 6 IP, 2 H, 8 K, 1 ER — dominant start
- Quarterfinal (vs Nippon Life): 5 IP, 3 H, 7 K, 3 ER
- Semifinal (vs Honda): 5 IP, 8 H, 2 K, 1 ER
Each outing showcased his consistency and ability to handle big stages, earning rave reviews from scouts.
Kanto Regional Qualifier
- vs Tokyo Gas: 6 IP, 2 H, 5 K, 0 ER — a masterclass performance
Estimated career stats (Industrial League):
34 IP, 27 H, 31 K, WHIP 1.06
Multiple NPB teams — including DeNA, Hiroshima, and Nippon-Ham — have given him strong evaluations.
💬 Scouting Reports
- “The best lefty in the industrial leagues.”
- “Highly polished and game-ready.”
- “Could slot into a pro rotation immediately.”
With his combination of power, control, and composure, Kazuyuki Takemaru is ready to make his mark in the NPB — and the Giants might have just found their next cornerstone pitcher.
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