Lotte's Rui Katsumata who is currently undergoing voluntary training in Onna Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture, released a comment through the team on the 15th.

Katsumata stated his determination, saying, "As I aim to improve my overall level, I am particularly focusing on how I use my lower body. I am practicing so that I can hit powerful balls. I was able to hit well from around the second half of the season, so I hope to be able to replicate that from the start. I will do my best to win a contract this year."

Although he only played in 32 games last season, down from the 44 he played in 2014, he still produced results with a batting average of .305 (59-18). His batting average since August has been .341. This season, his fourth year, he is hoping to make an appeal for a controlled registration.