infielder Kazunari Ishii (31), who is moving to Seibu Lions after exercising his free agency rights from Nippon-Ham held a press conference at the team's office in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture on the 26th. number has been decided as "4".

Appearing in a black suit and light blue tie, Ishii began his speech with a gentle smile, saying, "I'm very happy to have been approached first." When asked what made him decide to transfer, he said, "I could feel Hiroike's enthusiasm and desire for me to do my best. When he asked me to come to his team and lend him my strength, I felt that he needed me."

Ishii played in nine games at Belluna Dome this season, recording 12 hit in 31 At Bat-bats, including one Home Run, for a batting average of .387, showing a good matchup there. Looking ahead to next season, he vowed, "I've always thought that Seibu Lions 's cheering is amazing and powerful, so I'm excited to be able to receive support at home. I want to work hard to break into the competition and contribute to the team."

After graduating from Sakushin Gakuin High School and Waseda University, Ishii joined Nippon-Ham in 2016 as the second overall pick in the draft. In his ninth season this year, he played in 108 games as the starting second baseman, recording 6 Home Run and a batting average of .259. With Seibu Lions Lions' team batting average being the worst in the league at .232, Ishii, who could be expected to contribute offensively in addition to his stable defense, was an indispensable piece for their quest for their first championship since 2019.