Seibu Lions Natsuki Takeuchi pitcher (24) signed a contract renewal on April 4 at the team's office in Tokorozawa, Saitama, at a salary of 38.5 million yen, a decrease of 6.5 million yen. （The amount is estimated.)

In his second year as a pro, he won the Rookie of the Year award in his rookie year, but was unable to make it in time for the opening game of this season due to an injury to his left elbow during voluntary training. He pitched in 12 games, finishing with a record of 4 wins and 5 losses and an ERA of 5.26, and reflected, "I felt that it was difficult to perform well consecutively. I would like to think that it was because of this season that I was able to perform well in the future. I feel like this is also a learning experience."

Looking ahead to next season, where he hopes to make a comeback, he said enthusiastically, "Of course I would like to be in the starting rotation and play a part in leading the team, but since this season has turned out like this, I would like to first stay healthy through my own training and camp, and then do my best to be in the opening rotation."