Koshiro Sakamoto of the Lotte Marines is fired up for next season.

In 2023, he made a career-high 51 appearances, recording 1 win, 16 hold, and an ERA of 3.21, but last season he only made 37 appearances and this season he only made 8. After the season ended, he bit his lip and said, "To put it simply, it was a frustrating season."

This offseason, the team has been actively acquiring left-handed pitcher, including Sam Long, Jose Castillo, and Hayato Miyazaki Miyazaki, who was released by Softbank Hawks.

"I think I'm in a position where I have to closer left-handed batters, so I want people to call on me as Sakamoto, whether it's just one batter, one inning, or two inning. I want to do my best wherever I'm called on."

Looking ahead to next season, he stated his determination, saying, "I want to achieve my goal of playing in 50 games, which I set every year, and as the number of left-handed pitcher increases along with the foreign players, I want to be the best there is. I want to always play with the mindset of winning."

Interview and text by Yuta Iwashita