On the 26th, Lotte announced that pitcher Atsuki Taneichi has been selected as a player for the Samurai Japan team that will participate in the "2026 WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC™" scheduled to be held in March 2026.

Taneichi stated through the team, "In 2023, I was also selected as a support member, and I had the wonderful experience of pitching in exhibition games. At that time, I felt a very special atmosphere and sense of tension within the team. Watching the team that became world champions on TV and in the news, I have spent my days until now hoping that I would be able to join the team next. I am very honored that my pitching has been evaluated and that I have been selected in this way. As a representative of The Marines and of Japanese baseball, I would like to contribute to the team's win and to winning the world championship again. I will do my best!"

In the first half of the season, Taneichi pitched 86 1/3 innings in 14 games, with a record of 3 wins and 6 losses, 67 strike out, and ERA of 3.65. However, after the All-Star break, he pitched 74 1/3 innings in 10 games, with a record of 6 wins and 2 losses, 94 strike out, and an astonishing ERA of 1.45.