◆ Regarding the decision to name "Mr. Leo," Saito said, "He's a player whose strength is still too great for him."

On the 24th, Seibu' Takumi Kuriyama announced that he will retire from active play at the end of next season, which will mark his 25th year as a professional.

Regarding the decision of the 42-year-old "Mr. Leo," commentator Kenji Koshino on Fuji TV ONE's "Professional baseball News 2025," broadcast on the 24th, expressed his regret, saying, "I think there are personal reasons for him putting an end to his career like that, but when it comes to Kuriyama, he wants to win competitions, he wants to get revenge if he's been beaten, and he's a player who is extremely greedy for the team win rather than for his own results. He announced that his 25th year would be his last season, but to be honest, as a fan, we're hoping that he'll try his best next year and then retract his decision. But I do hope that he will do his best next season."

Another commentator, Saito Akio, speculated about the role he will play next season, saying, "He's the same age as Takeya Nakamura and has been a driving force behind the team. That's why I think he could do well next year and then withdraw his decision, but I think he'll take on the role of a player-coach who can be a role model for younger players. I get the feeling he'll be the kind of player who can give advice from the bench or behind the scenes on how to approach the batting position at crucial moments and how to read the opposing pitcher 's pitches." He added, "He's still a player who is too good to be true in terms of ability, so I think it's fine for him to withdraw his decision to retire."

☆ Cooperation: Fuji TV ONE "Professional baseball News 2025"