On the 9th, Lotte manager Saburo released a comment through the team regarding Hanshin Tigers 's Hirohiro Inoue, who was acquired in the active player draft.

Manager Saburo expressed his expectations, saying, "He's a player with a lot of punch. Long hits are something we're lacking, so I have high hopes for him."

Through Hanshin Tigers, Inoue commented, "It's been six years since I joined Hanshin Tigers, and I have nothing but gratitude for everyone associated with the team. I wasn't able to achieve the results I wanted as a Hanshin Tigers player, but I still remember the warm support from the many fans, and the cheers they gave me when I hit my first home run. Starting next season, I will be playing as a player for Chiba Lotte Marines. I will start afresh, and with this as my last chance, I will focus on results and do my best. Thank you very much to everyone associated with the team and to all Hanshin Tigers fans I met since joining Hanshin Tigers. I look forward to seeing you again in the interleague games."

Inoue joined Hanshin Tigers as the second pick in the 2019 draft and has long been a promising right-handed hitter. Last season, he had a league-leading batting average of .308 in the farm team, but struggled to blossom in the first team. This season, he has only played in one game. He aims to blossom in his new home.