On the 30th, Seibu Lions Lions manager Fumiya Nishiguchi (53) emphasized that there is no plan regarding next season's closer, saying, "There is no plan."

Taira, who served as closer this season, is set to return to the starting position, but as of now, he has not yet decided whether to lock in one candidate, saying, "I have no plan. I might change it up each time." Other likely candidates include the two foreign players, Wingenter and Ramirez, as well as Kaino, who has shown a strong desire to take over as closer; Yamada, who made his pro debut this season and has risen to prominence with 15 consecutive runs games since his debut, and Haneda, the left-handed pitcher with the fastest pitch speed in the NPB at 160 km/h, who the manager says "would be interesting if he has good control."

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 about the qualities he looks for in a closer, he said firmly, "It's stability, after all. pitcher you can trust with confidence." He explained, "Right now I haven't really thought about who I should choose, so I think the best option at the moment is to rotate (several people)." Will a player emerge who can win the battle and become the guardian deity? (Oonaka Ayami)