Waseda University pitcher Ito Itsuki (22), who was drafted by Rakuten Eagles as the second pick, held negotiations in Sendai on the 3rd and agreed to a contract with the team for a signing bonus of 70 million yen and an annual salary of 11 million yen (both amounts are estimates). He was a member of Rakuten Eagles Junior when he was in sixth grade. This is the first time he has put on a Rakuten Eagles uniform in about 10 years since then, and he reaffirmed his determination, saying, "I'm really happy to be able to put on the uniform once again. I want to work hard so that I can show many people how much I've grown."

Regarding his professional goals, he said, "In the short term, I would like to work hard and aim to be named Rookie of the Year in my first year, and in the long run, I would like to live as a player for 15 years or more." The right-handed pitcher, who was born in Akita and spent his middle and high school years in Miyagi, will once again show his power in the City of Trees.