On the 26th, Lotte announced that pitcher Atsuki Taneichi has been selected as a player for Samurai Japan, who will be competing in the 2026 WORLD BASEBALL CLASSICTM, scheduled to be held in March 2026.

Taneichi stated through the team, "I was selected as a support member again in 2023, and had the wonderful experience of pitching in practice matches. At that time, I felt a very special atmosphere and tension on the team. Watching the team become world champions on TV and in the news, I have spent my days hoping that next time I would be a member of the team. I am very honored that my pitching was recognized and that I was selected in this way. As a representative of The Marines and as a representative of Japanese baseball, I would like to contribute to the team's win and to winning the world championship for the second consecutive year. I will do my best!"

Taneichi pitched 86 1/3 innings in 14 games in the first half of the season, 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.