outfielder Ryosuke Tatsumi (29), who had been aiming to move to another team by exercising his domestic free agent (FA) rights from Rakuten Eagles, decided to stay with the team on the 16th. On that day, he attended contract renewal negotiations at the team's office in Sendai and signed the contract (annual salary is not disclosed). He expressed his feelings, saying, "I can't say the details, but they've made it a contract that shows they care. There are people in the team who have high expectations of me and people who have been involved. I want to make this a season where I can give good news."

From the beginning, the team allowed him to declare his intention to stay. Tatsumi had not received any offers from other teams, and he decided to stay in December of last year. When asked what made him decide to stay, he revealed, "Ishii contacted me in December, and although I can't say what he said, he gave me some loving words. I realized that he had cherished and nurtured me when I exercised my free agent rights. I want to do my best to help the team win the championship."

Tatsumi has long had a desire to challenge the majors, and during last season he requested a transfer using the posting system, but the team did not approve it. When asked about his thoughts on the majors after his contract renewal today, he firmly stated, "I'm only thinking about concentrating on this past year." He will do his best to lead the team to victory.

He joined the team as the first pick in the 2018 draft from Ritsumeikan University. As center fielder, he won the Golden Glove Award for four consecutive years from 2021, but struggled last season, being demoted to the second team and appearing in 114 games with a batting average of .240, 7 Home Run, and 32 RBI. "I want to make this a season that shows my gratitude. I really want to win," he said, with renewed determination. With a fresh start, he will take on the challenge at Rakuten Eagles.