On the 30th, Lotte announced that infielder Neftalí Soto has been appointed captain starting this season. This is unusual for a foreign player, and marks the first time in 28 years for the team since Franco in 1998.
Soto commented through the team, "I want to contribute as much as I can to the team's win and have the best season possible. We all have the goal of winning as a team, and we want to make sure we prepare well from the start of training camp. We have no choice but to win, for the team and the fans. We will all work hard towards win, and I want to make this a season in which everyone deserves to win."
![[Lotte] Neftalí Soto appeals to manager Saburo to participate in the first day of training camp next spring and play in all opening games. "Our goal is to win! That's it!"](https://hochi.news/images/2025/12/27/20251227-OHT1I51179-L.jpg)
