Seibu Lions announced on the 17th that they have signed former The Giants pitcher Rei Takahashi to a developmental player contract. number will be 136.

Takahashi went from Senshu Matsudo High School to Senshu University and joined Softbank Hawks in 2017 as the second overall pick in the draft. Armed with a fastball thrown from his right underhand side, he started all 23 games in 2019, winning 12 and earning the Rookie of the Year award. He was traded to The Giants in 2023, but finished 2-0 in 2024 and was released this season without making a single appearance in the first team, participating in the 12-team joint tryout in November.

Takahashi commented through the team, "I had a strong desire to continue playing baseball, and The Lions have provided me with the environment to do so. That's why I want to improve myself so that I can become a valuable asset to the team as soon as possible. My goal is to become pitcher who can contribute to The Lions' victory, and I want to produce solid results in the position I'm given. As a distinctive pitcher pitcher, I hope to inspire and absorb from Yoza, and continue to grow."

Seibu Lions With Takahashi and Imai set to move to the major leagues via the posting system, the team urgently needed to strengthen its starting lineup. Hiroike, the team's general manager, said, "I hope that by being on the same team as my classmate Yoza pitcher, we will be able to work together more closely than ever and improve each other's skills. pitcher If he can regain his true form, he can be used as both a starter and a reliever.