2025 Professional Baseball Best Nine Announced, Highlighting Dominance and Debate
The 2025 professional baseball "Best Nine" awards were announced on the 25th. In the Central League, the league-winning Hanshin Tigers showcased their strength with a record-tying seven players selected: pitcher Shoki Murakami, catcher Seishiro Sakamoto, first baseman Yusuke Ohyama, second baseman Takumu Nakano, third baseman Teruaki Sato, and outfielders Shota Morishita and Koji Chikamoto. Also in the Central League, Yuta Izumiguchi of the Yomiuri Giants received his first award at shortstop, while Yuki Okabayashi of the Chunichi Dragons earned his third award as an outfielder. This year's Central League Best Nine lineup is identical to the Golden Glove Award winners, indicating that players who excel in both defense and offense were recognized. Meanwhile, the Pacific League saw a record eight first-time awardees, presenting a fresh lineup of players. Among them, rookie shortstop Rui Muneyama (Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles) garnered particular attention. His selection mar...