The 2025 professional baseball draft was held in Tokyo on the 23rd, and Lotte acquired the negotiation rights for Genki Ishigaki, the top high school right-handed pitcher from Kendai Takasaki.

Both Lotte and Orix Buffaloes selected Ishigaki as their first pick. After much bidding, Lotte's new manager, Saburo, won the negotiating rights.

Ishigaki and Sato contributed to the team's first victory at the Senbatsu Koshien in the spring of their second year. After overcoming an injury, Ishigaki contributed to the team's runner-up finish as a relief ace at this summer's U-18 World Cup, recording a personal best of 158 km/h.

Lotte finished last in the league with 56 wins, 84 losses and 3 draws this season, their first time in eight years. Manager Masahito Yoshii has stepped down, and next season will see a fresh start under new manager Saburo.