Lotte's new player announcement event was held on the 11th at the Lotte headquarters in Tokyo, with 10 new players and manager Saburo in attendance.
The second-round draft pick, pitcher Kaito Mori (Meiji University), hit it off with the high school pitcher duo of first-round pitcher, Genki Ishigaki (Kendai Takasaki), and third-round pitcher, Raito Okumura (Yokohama). "Ishigaki (first-round pick) and Okumura (third-round pick) talk to me like I'm a friend, so they're super cute. They're the type to say things like, 'Let's go out to eat!' and they're super cute. They call me Gakki and Raito. They're only 18, so they seem young, like younger brothers," he said, narrowing his eyes.
On stage, the left-handed pitcher vowed to win the Rookie of the Year award. "I said I wanted at least seven wins, but I don't think I'll be able to see the Rookie of the Year award unless I win more than seven. I'm aiming for double-digit win and hopefully closer ERA below 2.50. I'm going for 13 wins (in reference to my uniform number). I want to work hard and aim to be in the opening rotation," he said, reaffirming his determination.
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