Issei Takayanagi (高柳 異生, Takayanagi Issei, born August 22, 2004) is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher currently in the developmental system of the Chunichi Dragons of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).
Early Life and Amateur Career
Born in Nara Prefecture, Japan, Takayanagi attended Chiben Gakuen Wakayama High School, a prominent baseball powerhouse. During his high school career, he emerged as a promising pitching prospect, known for his potential and developing arsenal. His performances in high school attracted attention from professional scouts.
Professional Career
Takayanagi entered the Nippon Professional Baseball draft in 2022 and was selected by the Chunichi Dragons as their first pick in the Developmental Draft (ikusei draft). As a developmental player, he is signed to a contract that places him outside the 70-man main roster, allowing him to train and play in the minor leagues (Western League) while aiming for a promotion to the Dragons' top squad. His professional career officially began in 2023, where he has been focusing on refining his skills and adapting to the professional level.
Playing Style
Takayanagi is a right-handed pitcher. While still in the early stages of his professional development, he is recognized for his potential velocity and willingness to challenge hitters. He continues to work on developing a full repertoire of pitches to complement his fastball and improve his command.
See Also
- Chunichi Dragons
- Nippon Professional Baseball
External Links
- Official Player Profile (Chunichi Dragons - Japanese)
Categories
[[Category:Japanese baseball pitchers]] [[Category:Chunichi Dragons players]] [[Category:2004 births]] [[Category:Living people]]