Seibu Lions Lions manager Fumiya Nishiguchi (53) emphasized on the 30th that he has "no plan" for the team's closer next season, stating that he has no idea.

Taira, who served as the team's closer this season, is set to return to the starting rotation, and as for candidates, he has not yet decided whether to stick with one person, saying, "I have no plan. I might change it on a case-by-case basis." In addition to the two foreign players Wingenter and Ramirez, the leading candidates include Kaihino, who is eager to take over as closer, Yamada, who made his professional debut this season and has emerged with 15 consecutive runs appearances since his debut, and Haneda, the NPB's fastest left-handed pitcher at 160 km/h, whom the manager says "is not out of the question."

The dark horse is second-round draft pick Iwaki (Chuo University). The manager has high hopes for his potential, saying, "There's a chance. If he's really good after seeing him at training camp."

When asked what qualities he looks for in a closer, he stated firmly, "Consistency, of course. pitcher we can confidently entrust the role to." He explained, "Right now, I haven't really thought about who I want to be the closer, so I think having multiple people take turns is the most likely option at the moment." Will a player emerge to win the competition and claim the closer position? (Ayami Onaka)