On the 21st, Seibu Lions Lions manager Fumiya Nishiguchi (53) issued an order to outfielder Masashi Kuwahara (32), who will be joining the team from DeNA by exercising his free agent rights, to secure a regular position.

The bell rang. Kuwahara, in his 14th year as a pro, played in 106 games as the starting center fielder for DeNA, batting .284 with 6 Home Run and 27 RBI. However, Nishikawa, who made a big leap as the team's leadoff hitter this season, has settled into the starting center fielder. The manager outlined center fielder: "Aiya (Nishikawa) will be in center field. Aiya will compete with other players for center fielder, and Kuwahara will play left or right field." This has been communicated to Kuwahara himself. He will not receive any special treatment despite being a free agent, and will compete for a regular position with Hasegawa, Tonozaki, and others.

At DeNA, Kuwabara was nicknamed "Gutsman" for his spirited play. The manager also expressed his hopes for him as a key player in the team's comeback from fifth place, saying, "We don't really have players with that kind of aura, so I want him to continue to show his individuality." (Oonaka Ayami)