Lotte announced on the 11th that Tsuyoshi Nishioka (42), the chief batting and base running coach, will leave the team at the end of this season, his first year in the position. The team received a request from Nishioka himself to resign and accepted it after discussions.

The coach was not seen on the ground at the home stadium, ZOZO, on the first day of autumn practice. Manager Saburo (50), who fought through this season alongside him in their first year in office, said, "He worked very hard. If he chose that path for his own personal growth, then I think that is fine."

Coach Nishioka commented through the team, "I have something I hold dear as a theme for my life. That is 'to continue increasing my level of experience.' I want to continue diving into new environments and updating myself. This departure is not an end for me. Tsuyoshi Nishioka is setting out once again on a journey to increase his experience."