Seibu Lions announced on the 1st that they have notified pitcher Sinclair and player Koichi Okumura that they will not be renewing their contracts for the next season.

▼ Sinclair

"Right now, the feeling of frustration is what I feel most strongly. My body is still healthy, and I believe I can still play. I am grateful to the team for selecting me in the draft even though I hadn't played in Japan and for giving me various opportunities over these three years. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to the coaches and staff for supporting me from beginning to end. Even though I never had the chance to pitch in the first tier, there were fans who supported me every day. It was because of that support that I was able to work hard until now. Thank you very much."

▼ Koichi Okumura

First of all, I am filled with feelings of apology toward the fans who have supported me until now. I spent most of this year with the third-string team, and it was the most painful year of these past three. Even though my body was healthy, I couldn't make it up to the second-string team, and I spent my time with an indescribable feeling. Amidst all that, what remains most memorable to me is the home run I hit during the second-string team's away games in Shizuoka. To all the fans, thank you so much for supporting me, even though it was for a short time. These three years are a treasure to me.

▼ Players who have been released

pitcher

Sinclair

outfielder

Koichi Okumura