outfielder Hirohiro Inoue (24), who joined Lotte from Hanshin Tigers in the active player draft, held a press conference at Zozo on the 17th.

A native of Daito City, Osaka, he joined Hanshin Tigers as the second pick in the 2019 draft from Riseisha University, and in 45 games he had a batting average of .189, 3 Home Run, and 16 RBI. While he has not been able to demonstrate his talent as a right-handed long-distance hitter, he revealed his determination to blossom in Chiba, saying, "I came here with the resolve that I would never return to Kansai. I want to make the most of (this transfer). I don't think what I've done at The Tigers was in vain. I want to make sure I put it to good use and succeed here."

His new uniform number will be "39," and he plans to train independently with DeNA's Maki during the offseason. "I want to improve my training, technique, and everything else. I'll do my best to hit double-digit Home Run," he said, setting a goal of hitting a number that would be his career high if he could achieve that. There is fierce competition for a regular position with Nishikawa, Takabe, Fujiwara, and others, but first he will sell his batting ability to manager Saburo at next spring's training camp.

Related News

・ [Lotte] Kodai Inoue, who was transferred from Hanshin Tigers in the active player draft, said at a press conference, "I'm determined not to return to Kansai again."
・ [Chunichi] Takaya Ishikawa signs for 23 million yen, down 7 million yen. "If it doesn't work out, you'll be cut. Be prepared."
・ [Rakuten Eagles] "This is the last team of my career," says Maeda Kenta, unwavering in his determination to wear number 18 jersey. "I'll do my best to be recognized even a little."
・ [Active Player Draft] Lotte acquires Kodai Inoue from Hanshin Tigers He has only played in one game this season, but his power hitting ability is impressive.
・ [Active Player Draft] Manager Saburo praises Kodai Inoue, acquired from Hanshin Tigers, as a "powerful player"