Xu Ruoxi sets a three-year goal to challenge MLB; SoftBank Hawks executive Kenji Johjima pledges full support

Wearing jersey number 18 today, Xu Ruoxi held his first media meeting in Japan at the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks’ home stadium. During the press conference, he confidently shared his ambition to challenge MLB in the future and detailed a three-year plan. Kenji Johjima, the SoftBank Hawks’ Chief Baseball Officer (CBO), stated that the team will support Xu Ruoxi’s growth into a world-class pitcher through the most advanced training systems over the next three years. Additionally, Xu Ruoxi’s former team, the Wei Chuan Dragons, sent representatives specially to Fukuoka to attend the press conference and offer their sincere blessings.

At the signing press conference, Xu Ruoxi repeatedly emphasized the word "challenge," expressing his aspiration to reach the major league stage: "I look forward to showing everyone my pursuit of the major leagues three years from now. I will steadily improve my skills and aim to make progress every year." Kenji Johjima responded, "I believe Xu Ruoxi has not yet reached his peak. Although it is a three-year contract, we will apply the most advanced technology and training methods to help him become a world-class pitcher in three years." He holds high hopes for Xu Ruoxi’s potential and promises full support for his advancement to higher levels.

Representatives from the Wei Chuan Dragons traveled to Japan specifically to attend the press conference, witnessing this important milestone as the young pitcher steps onto the international stage. Wei Ying-Chung, a key figure in the team’s revival, also sent a letter to SoftBank Hawks president Yoshimitsu Goto, expressing gratitude for the Hawks’ support in player development. He looks forward to deepening cooperation through talent exchange and sports collaboration, and warmly invites Japanese fans to visit Taipei in the future to experience the passion of Taiwanese baseball culture firsthand.

Regarding the arrangements for the World Baseball Classic in March and the SoftBank Hawks’ exchange games in Taiwan at the end of February, Xu Ruoxi stated he will follow the overall plans of the team and the Chinese Taipei national team, with official announcements to be made when available.