On the 1st, Lotte announced the signing of pitcher Jose Castillo.

Castillo commented through the team, "I am very excited to be a part of Chiba Lotte Marines. I am truly happy to be joining the team. I will do my best for the team and for Chiba Lotte Marines fans. The fans are known for being some of the loudest and most passionate in baseball, which is one of the main reasons I wanted to play in Japan. After seeing videos and the stadium, I fell in love with the energy the fans create. I will do my best to learn Japanese as quickly as possible for your sake. I am really looking forward to meeting you all. See you at the stadium next year!"

Castillo has pitched in 69 games in the majors, with a record of 5 wins and 5 losses and ERA of 4.11. This season he played for four teams: the Diamondbacks, Mets, Mariners, and Orioles. His combined record for these four teams was 2 wins and 2 losses with a 3.94 ERA in 29 games, all as a relief pitcher, pitching 32 innings.

▼ Manager Saburo

"He's a 198cm tall southpaw with a good amount of angle, and I was impressed by fastball, which exceeds 150km/h, and the sharpness of slider. He also has excellent control, so I'm looking forward to seeing him strike closer both left-handed right-handed hitter. He's a proven setup man in the MLB, and is known as an Ohtani killer, so I'm really looking forward to him. I think he'll really add depth to bullpen."

▼Castillo profile

Date of Birth: January 10, 1996

Place of birth: Venezuela

Throwing/batting: left-handed/left-handed

Height and weight: 198 cm, 114 kg

Alma mater: Unida Educativa Talent Deportiva Camaguán

Career: Tampa Bay Rays affiliate, San Diego Padres affiliate, MLB affiliate, Miami Marlins affiliate, Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, Baltimore Orioles