Seibu announced on May 5 that it has accepted Mitsunari Takahashi pitcher (28) to move to the U.S. Major Leagues this offseason through the posting system. Takahashi commented through the team, "I am truly grateful for the support that has encouraged me to take on this challenge. The right-hander, who has long expressed his desire to play in the major leagues, will finally take the first step toward his dream.

On this day, team general manager Hiroike responded to an interview at the team facility in Tokorozawa, Saitama, explaining, "We informed his agent of our decision today. Even though we haven't met him in person, we've been in contact, and we spoke just today." He continued, "His feelings (for going to the majors) have been conveyed to us for a long time. Last year was the year that it was, and he had his own thoughts about it, and I think this year he still has a long way to go compared to his ability, but we accepted his strong feelings."

When Takahashi renewed his contract in the offseason of 2022, he told the team that he "strongly expressed my intentions" to try his hand at the majors. Last offseason, he finished with 0 wins and 11 losses in 15 games, and although he was allowed to transfer via posting, he chose to stay. "I just want to get revenge, that's all," he said, and this season he went into the mound wanting revenge, pitching in 24 games with 8 wins and 9 losses and ERA 3.04. However, three major league teams came to observe his final appearance of the season against Rakuten on October 4th (Rakuten Mobile), and teams were keeping a close eye on the right-handed pitcher.

Regarding his domestic free agent rights, the general manager explained, "I don't think I will exercise them." From now on, he will complete the application process by December 15th, and a 45-day negotiation period will begin the day after the application is made public to the MLB team. Takahashi declared his determination, "I will do my best so that I can be sure that this decision was not a mistake." The strong arm who inherited Manager Nishiguchi's number "13" is heading for a new world with hope in his heart.

Imai is in the final adjustment stage Seibu ・Hiroike, the general manager of the baseball team, stated on April 5 that he is in the final adjustment stage regarding Tatsuya Imai pitcher (27), who, like Takahashi, hopes to use the posting system to move to the Major Leagues this offseason.

In an interview at the team's facility in Tokorozawa, Saitama, he explained the current situation, saying, "The direction has been decided to a certain extent, but we're just making the final adjustments. I've spoken with his agent, and I'll talk to him in person soon." He intends to discuss the matter face-to-face, but when asked about a specific date, he only said, "We'll decide on that a little later." He added, "He's training, and it's not yet the time for the market to move." The team will carefully decide whether to approve it or not, and is expected to inform him in the near future.

◆Takahashi Kouna: Born February 3, 1997 in Numata City, Gunma Prefecture. 28 years old. At Maebashi Ikuei High School, he wore number 1 jersey from the fall of his first year. In the summer of his second year, he led his team to its first victory at Koshien, and was selected to represent Japan in the U-18 baseball World Cup. He joined Seibu as the first pick in the 2014 draft. This season, he has pitched in 24 games, with a record of 8 wins and 9 losses and an ERA of 3.04. He throws and bats right-handed. His annual salary is 210 million yen (estimated).

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​Seibu] The current status of Tatsuya Imai, which hopes to move to the majors this offseason, is as follows