On the 4th, Seibu Lions announced that they had reached an agreement on a contract with Mitsunari Takahashi, who was aiming to challenge the majors using the posting system. Tatsuya Imai also used the posting system to sign with the Houston Astros and left the team, but with Takahashi continuing to play for Seibu Lions this season, the damage to the starting lineup was kept to a minimum.

Takahashi pitched in 24 games and 148 innings last season, finishing with 8 wins and 9 losses and ERA of 3.04 as part of the starting rotation. Other pitchers on the rotation include Sumida Tomoichiro, who tied with Tatsuya Imai for the team's highest record of 10 wins (10 losses) last season with ERA of 2.59, Chihiro Sumida, who did not reach the required innings pitched but still managed to earn 7 wins in 134 innings, Yutaro Watanabe, who is set to return to the starting rotation from closer, Kaima Taira, Kaito Yoza 6 wins last season, Natsuki Takeuchi, the 2012 Rookie of the Year, and Shinya Sugai, who gained first-team experience last season.

The team also acquired new foreign player Alan Winans, a skilled right-handed pitcher. General Manager Hiroike Koji commented, "We envision him as a pitch who makes the most of defense to rack up outs and earn inning. In Triple-A, he recorded a high strike out rate and a low BB rate, so we're excited to see how he will pitch against NPB hitter."

With Takahashi continuing to play for Seibu Lions this season, having another starter they can rely on is a huge advantage. There's a big difference between entering the new season without two ace pitchers, Imai and Takahashi. The hole left by Imai's 10 wins and 163 2/3 innings last season can be fully filled with the growth of young players like Taira, who is set to return to the starting lineup, Takeuchi, who struggled last season, and promising young pitchers Isamu Watanabe and Sugai. It seems likely that the team will be able to form a solid starting lineup without any changes.