Lotte announced on the 4th that they have notified five players—Rikima Ichijo (23), a pitcher on the active roster, and developmental players Humiya Motomae (29), a pitcher, Kirato Nagashimada (22), a pitcher, Rui Katsumata (21), an infielder, and Koki Takano (22), an outfielder—that their contracts will not be renewed for the next season.

Ichijo is retiring from active duty. The right-hander, who joined Lotte as a third-round draft pick from Joso Gakuin and Toyo University, only pitched in one game against the Softbank Hawks on July 15th of last year (Mizuho PayPay Dome) during his rookie year. His career totals stand at one game with no wins or losses and an ERA of 9.00. He had no appearances even in the farm league this season.

Motomae and Katsumata wish to continue their active careers, while the futures of Nagashimada and Hikaru Takano remain undecided.