Baseball: A Two-Way Player-Chapter 576 - 138: The Overwhelming Major League

"Being able to come here means every one of you are currently the best players in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball..." Kohkubo Yuuki looked at the 28 players standing before him, ready for action, with a satisfied smile on his face. "This match against the Major League Baseball All-Star team is quite a challenge for everyone..."

He paused for a moment, scanning the crowd for Lin Guanglai, Ohtani Shohei, and others before continuing: "Of course, it's also quite an opportunity!"

"It's been 8 years since the last Japan-US exchange game, and this year's restart is partly due to considerations for the Premier12 and the WBC. There will definitely be many MLB scouts present—this is your chance to showcase yourselves to the world!"

"The roster from the United States has been released. Most of the names on the list are unfamiliar not just to you, but also to me and the coaching staff—it's clear that the Americans haven't placed as much importance on this as we have. However, I must remind you that even semi-regulars and fringe players from the MLB could be overwhelming here in Japan."

"Moreover, there are a few individuals on this roster with whom we must be exceptionally cautious..." Kohkubo turned to look at the members of the coaching staff, and after a mutual understanding, the electronic screen lit up.

"This person doesn't require much introduction—I believe anyone with even a slight understanding of American baseball knows him: Albert Pujols, the iconic star of the St. Louis Cardinals, a hitter whose historical standing in the MLB is unmatched, with a career spanning 14 seasons and totaling 520 home runs—there's little more that needs to be said…"

"Because this is a friendly game, we'll generally avoid intentional walks unless absolutely necessary. Therefore, whenever facing Pujols, every member of the pitching team must be on full alert!"

Gazing at the familiar face on the big screen, the Japanese players murmured amongst themselves. Many pitchers in the lineup, who saw the "cyborg's" powerful muscles as he hit, were visibly anxious—being hit by this superstar batter in front of their hometown crowd was an unsettling thought...

Unlike others, Lin Guanglai didn't feel fear for this legendary figure destined for the Hall of Fame. Instead, he felt joy at the chance to play alongside such a strong opponent and excitement for the challenge—imagine, if he could strike Pujols out more than once, wouldn't this prove he's ready to challenge the MLB?

After achieving everything possible as a Nippon Professional Baseball player this past season, the idea of "challenging the Major League" had gradually become clear in Lin Guanglai's mind.

But he also understood that this required careful planning: not only convincing Softbank to allow him early entry into the draft, considering how to adapt if he reaches the US, and which American teams might have interest in him—it was daunting to even consider.

For an ordinary team, the promise of millions of US Dollars might persuade them, but Softbank, well-funded, values the success that keeping Lin Guanglai could bring above money.

Nearing the age of 20, Lin Guanglai planned to lead Softbank to achieve three consecutive Japan's Number One titles in the next two years and dominate as many awards as possible—only by earning the team enough honors could he convince the management to relinquish interests and assist him in fulfilling his dream; only by delivering a dominant performance in Japan could he earn his ticket to the Major League.

The upcoming Japan-US exchange game is an excellent opportunity: the American scouts will definitely be observing in the stands, offering Lin Guanglai a significant chance to showcase his abilities to the world.

Returning from his thoughts, Kohkubo Yuuki continued analyzing noteworthy opponents: "Besides Pujols, there are several others to watch out for…"

"Justin Morneau, age 33, a legend from the Minnesota Twins, now with the Colorado Rockies, the 2006 AL MVP and this year's NL batting champion."

"Jose Altuve, age 24, the main second baseman for the Houston Astros, this season's AL batting and stolen base champion, also one of the top MLB players currently—anyone who underestimates him due to his height of 168 cm will regret it!"

"Bryce Harper, age 22, main outfielder for the Washington Nationals, though he's just moved up to the Major League in the past few years, he contributes over 20 home runs each season and is one of the most promising young players in America."

With each familiar or unfamiliar face appearing on the screen, many Nippon Professional Baseball players face turned grim: even if the American team's roster has some fill-ins, just one or two star players are enough of a challenge.