Seibu Lions announced on the 30th that Shuta Tonosaki's injury exception was approved, and he acquired his international free agency rights as of Wednesday, September 30th.

Tonosaki commented through the team, "First, I want to focus on the game in front of me and do everything I can, one step at a time, to contribute to the team's win. The fans' cheers are always a source of strength. Thank you very much. We will work together as a team to aim for the championship in Japan."

Tonosaki joined the Seibu Lions as a third-round draft pick in 2014. After reaching the required number of plate appearances for the first time in 2017, his third year, he contributed to the league championship the following year in 2018 with a performance of a .287 batting average, 18 Home Runs, and 67 RBI. In 2019, he played in all 143 games, recording a .274 batting average, 26 Home Runs, and 90 RBI, becoming a key figure in the team's consecutive league titles.

Having won the Golden Glove Award in 2020 and 2022, he has led The Lions as a core player for many years. So far this season, he has appeared in 34 games, recording a .172 batting average, 2 Home Runs, and 8 RBI.