Seibu Lions outfielder Shinya Hasegawa attended contract renewal negotiations at the team office in Tokorozawa, Saitama on the 18th and signed for 34 million yen, an increase of 19 million yen (amount is estimated).

With his salary more than doubled, Hasegawa smiled calmly and said, "I was recognized for hitting well in the winning games." Hiroike, the team's general manager, also praised him, saying, "This is his fifth year as a development player after joining the team from high school. It's a wonderful thing."

This season, he played in 132 games and reached the required number of at hit bats for the first time. Although he was a regular in the first team throughout the season, he ended up with a batting average of .225, and so he set his goal of hitting between 90 and 150 this season, saying, "I want to eliminate the fluctuations." He is well-known for defense and base running, so he will aim to improve his batting accuracy.

Kuwahara joined the team as a free agent from DeNA. The competition for the starting outfield position is intensifying, but he said, "I know it's going to be a competition. I want to compete from the first day of training camp with the determination to win." He spoke with a firm expression and a determined tone.