The Central and Pacific Leagues announced the March-April “Daiju Life Monthly MVP Awards” on the 13th. In the Central League, Hanshin Tigers pitcher Haruto Takahashi was awarded the pitching MVP, while outfielder Teruaki Sato took home the hitting honor. For the Pacific League, Seibu Lions pitcher Kaima Hirahara was named the pitching MVP, and SoftBank Hawks outfielder Kensuke Kondo received the hitting award.
Takahashi posted an outstanding 3-0 record with a 0.27 ERA across four games, including three complete-game shutouts. His three shutouts through April marked a remarkable achievement for the team, being the first since Tadayoshi Wakabayashi accomplished the feat in 1943—an 83-year record.
Sato played in 27 games, recording 38 hits in 101 at-bats. He led the lineup with a .376 batting average, seven home runs, 25 RBIs, and a .444 on-base percentage.
Hirahara went 2-0 with a 0.49 ERA over five starts. Despite limited run support, he pitched 37 1/3 innings and achieved a high-quality start (seven or more innings with two or fewer earned runs) in four games, showcasing exceptional consistency.
Kondo posted a .292 batting average over 26 games but demonstrated clutch hitting with six home runs and 19 RBIs. His keen eye at the plate remained intact, as he drew 18 walks to achieve a .425 on-base percentage.