◇ Fukuoka Softbank manager Hiroki Kokubo signs three-year contract

Fukuoka Softbank has renewed its contract with manager Hiroki Kokubo, signing him to a three-year contract starting in 2026. This season, he led the team to their 21st league championship, their second consecutive year, and won the Manager of the Year Award and the Matsutaro Shoriki Award.

Saitama Seibu Lions signs two Dominican-born foreign pitcher for development

Saitama Seibu Lions signed a development player contract with two pitcher from Dominica.

Jorge Gonzalez pitcher is a 23-year-old right-handed hitter with 198 cm and 116 kg. number is "144".

▼Jorge Gonzalez pitcher Comment▼
"I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to play for The Lions and develop as a player, and I will do my best as a key player in the team with a strong desire to contribute to win."

▼ Koji Hiroike General Manager Comment ▼
"The attractive pitcher is that it can take advantage of its large physique and throw down fastball that always exceeds 150 km/h. It is a power type that interweaves slider and sinker to closer hitter fastball, and at this time I think it is suitable for use in relief. If his ball control stabilizes to some extent in the future, he has a good chance of becoming a force in the first team."

Ronnie Oliver pitcher is a 21-year-old right-handed hitter with 193cm and 85kg. number is "145".

▼Ronnie Oliver pitcher Comment▼
"I am truly grateful to The Lions for welcoming me and I am very honored to play as a part of the team. I am grateful for this precious opportunity and will always give my best on the field."

▼ Koji Hiroike General Manager Comment ▼
"This is a type of pitcher that interweaves vertical curves, slider, and change-up into a fastball with an extension of more than 150 km/h to closer hitter. His control is at a certain level, and his form is well balanced, so he has the potential to become a force in the first team by gaining actual combat experience. At this point, we believe that it is possible to entrust him with a long inning, but we will determine how to use him and his aptitude after joining the team."

◇ Chiba Lotte Marines acquires former Yokohama DeNA player Jackson

Chiba Lotte Marines announced the signing of former Yokohama DeNA pitcher Andre Jackson. The 29-year-old American is 190cm tall and 95kg, and is a right-handed batter and thrower.

▼Comment pitcher Jackson▼
"My family and I have been blessed with the time we have had in Japan. I am excited to begin this new chapter in Chiba. I want to give my all to help the team win the league championship and become the best team in Japan. I am excited to build bonds with my teammates and fans. Let's go Marines!"

▼Comment from Director Saburo▼
"He has a proven track record in Japan, having pitched over 293 inning in the two years up to this year, and we have high hopes for him as pitcher who will support our rotation throughout the year. His powerful fastball that can induce strikeouts and his wide variety of breaking ball are his weapons, and change-up has a great amount of movement. Furthermore, with the Marine wind on his side, I think he will be hard to hit. We were looking to acquire starter who could become the core of our rotation, and we feel that we have added a truly reliable player to our team."

Related Links
・ Contract renewal with manager Hiroki Kokubo
・ The team signed pitcher Jorge Gonzalez and Ronnie pitcher to development player contracts.
・ Regarding pitcher Jackson's joining the team