Saitama Seibu Lions have agreed to sign former Yokohama DeNA player Masashi Kuwahara.
Saitama Seibu announced that after repeated negotiations with former Yokohama DeNA player Masashi Kuwahara, they have reached an agreement for him to join the team.
Kuwahara, in his 14th year as a professional, played in 106 games this season, recording a batting average of .284, 6 Home Run, 27 RBI, and 10 stolen base. During the offseason, he exercised his overseas free agent rights.
▼Comment from Hiroike Koji, General Manager of the team▼
"He has particularly outstanding offensive numbers, particularly in terms of batting and base running, and I believe he will be a player who will make a great contribution to the team. Furthermore, one of his charms is his attitude of always putting his determination to win at the forefront when he plays. I believe that his presence will bring positive stimulation to the team and further heighten the competitive spirit."
◇Concluded a player contract with Tohoku Rakuten Chia-Hao Sung for next season
Tohoku Rakuten announced that it has signed a player contract with pitcher Chia-Hao Sung through the 2026 season. This season, his 10th year, he was slow to start due to right knee surgery before the start of the season, and only pitched in 10 games, but up until last year he had pitched in over 40 games for four consecutive years, supporting bullpen.
▼Comment pitcher Chia-Hao Sung ▼
"Next year will mark my 11th year with Rakuten Eagles. My family and I love Sendai in Tohoku, and we are truly grateful for the warm welcome we have always received in this city. Above all else, I want to stay healthy and enter the season with a fully-fit Chia-Hao Sung. I will continue to give my all for the team, so I hope you will continue to support us next year."
◇ Golf event held at Saitama Seibu Belluna Dome
The golf event "LIONS GOLF EXPERIENCE STADIUM 9" and the new event "LIONS STADIUM 9 BELLUNA DOME CUP" will be held at Belluna Dome for four days on February 11th (Wednesday, national holiday), 13th (Friday), 14th (Saturday), and 15th (Sunday) 2026, and for two days on February 21st (Saturday) and 22nd (Sunday).
At "LIONS GOLF EXPERIENCE STADIUM 9," you can experience driving range for one hour from near home base, aiming at nine target flags set up in outfield area. Continuing on from last year, the "LIONS PREMIUM FAN MEETING," a fan meeting where you can interact with The Lions players, will be held on February 11th (Wednesday, national holiday), 14th (Saturday), and 15th (Sunday). The "American Express Premium® Lounge" will host talk shows, photo sessions, autograph sessions, and more with The Lions players, including Hironori Ishige and Hatsuhiko Tsuji. During regular season, there will also be a buffet available only to those who purchase certain seats.
Additionally, the team's official performers, bluelegends, will be holding a "STADIUM TOUR." Each day will be divided into two sessions, limited to 30 people per session, and visitors will be able to tour the stadium, focusing on areas that are not accessible during regular season.
The new "LIONS STADIUM 9 BELLUNA DOME CUP," which will be held next year, will see participants compete for the highest score by aiming for the green on ground from nine teeing areas in the stands. Three guests will appear on each day, including former The Lions player Hironori Ishige, and on the 21st (Sat), former Japanese women's wrestling representative Saori Yoshida, a golf enthusiast whose best score is 81, will also appear as a guest.
A total of 12 guests will appear over the two days, including professional golfers and golf-loving athletes. Up to 17 people can participate at a time, competing with the guests for the highest score, with the results announced later on the team's website. While waiting, participants can also enjoy a buffet (light meals) in the premium lounge, as well as interacting with the guests.
▼Comment from Hironori Ishige▼
"I'm very happy to be able to participate in the fan meeting again, following on from last time. This time, I'll also be taking part in a golf event, competing against the fans in downhill driving. I'm really looking forward to interacting with The Lions fans and golf enthusiasts! Let's have fun together!"
◇ Chiba Lotte Marines signed a development contract with Seiun Akiyama and Yuta Kaneda for next season
Chiba Lotte Marines has signed a new development contract with pitcher Seiun Akiyama. They also signed a development contract with Yuta Kaneda, who was under contract until this season. Kaneda's number will be changed to "120."
Former Fukuoka Softbank manager Hiroshi Fujimoto and eight other staff members leave the team
Fukuoka Softbank announced that eight staff members, including Hiroshi Fujimoto, special advisor to the team headquarters, will be leaving the team at the end of this season. The following members are leaving the team:
・Hiroshi Fujimoto, Special Advisor to the Baseball Team Headquarters
・Kenji Watanabe, second-string pitcher and second-string staff member
・Shino New Fourth Army Equipment Manager and Fourth Army Sub-Manager
・Daiichiro Shojima, First Team Athletic Trainer
・Hariya Dai Farm athletic trainer
・Kevin Ando (Interpreter)
・Saito Manabu Farm Public Relations
・Michiaki Shigeta Farm Public Relations
・ Updated almost daily! Today's Pacific League
Related Links
・ [Tohoku Rakuten] Regarding foreign player contracts
・ [Saitama Seibu] Agreement on joining of Masashi Kuwahara
・ [Saitama Seibu] A golf event will be held at Belluna Dome, where you can practice driving and play serious matches against alumni and athletes.
・ [Chiba Lotte Marines] Development contract
・ [Fukuoka Softbank] Staff departure
