*This content was translated by AI.
infielder Miguel Sano (33), who competed with Park Byung-ho (40, coach of the Keum Heroes' Remaining Army) when he was a member of the Minnesota Twins in the Major League, was criticized for excessive weight from the first day of the press conference for joining the Chunichi Dragons of the Japanese professional baseball (NPB).
Sano had a press conference with pitcher Alberto Abreu, 30, after his first training session at an indoor practice center in Okinawa, Japan, on Jan. 31.
Sano, who was informed of his contract with Chunichi in December last year, joined the team in time for his first training on the day. According to Japan's Nikkan Sports and others, Sano drew the attention of the field reporters as he repeatedly hit with a powerful force that seemed to break through the net during practice.
In fact, Sano is famous to Korean fans as Park Byung-ho's rival during his time in Minnesota. This is because Park Byung-ho and Sano overlapped as first baseman when they were together in Minnesota in the 2016 season. Sano played in the Major League from 2015 to 2024 and hit 164 home runs. In the 2019 season, he was the top home run hitter in the Major League, producing 34 home runs.
However, Sano did not play in the big league after playing for the Los Angeles Angels in the 2024 season, and moved to the NPB stage in the 2026 season. A major league career was cut off due to a minor injury caused by a sharp weight gain. However, Chunichi was selected with nine home runs in 24 games in the Dominican Winter League.
His eyes were on Sano, who is preparing for his first season in Japan, with a heavy body. Sano's weight was such a hot topic that even Abreu, who joined together, pointed out that "he was bigger than this before." Sano's profile, which the club announced to Japanese media, weighed 126kg.
Japanese fans and media are concerned about Sano's weight. Sano also declared a "diet" as if he were aware of these concerns. "I'm going to lose more weight before the opening," he said. I will also change my diet to a Japanese style," he said. In particular, he introduced his nickname 'Gorilla' and added, "I ate five bananas a day, and I will reduce this first."
Fans are paying attention to his body and opening at-bat to see if Sano's declared "diet" by cutting off his favorite banana will be able to return to the sweet fruit of Japanese stage composure.
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*This content was translated by AI.
