On the 16th, Seibu Lions manager Fumiya Nishiguchi (54) visited the team's home ground, Belluna Dome, and expressed his complex feelings regarding pitcher Kona Takahashi (29) and pitcher Kaima Taira (26), who have been reported to be interested in challenging the Major Leagues this off-season, stating, 'It is the players' right, and I respect that. My honest feeling, however, is that I want them to stay.'

In his 12th professional season this year, Takahashi Mitsunari started 22 games, recording 9 wins and 4 losses with a 2.54 ERA. Taira, in his 9th professional season after returning to a starting role, appeared in 23 games with 12 wins and 5 losses, and a 1.36 ERA. He also earned his first career title for the best ERA. While Takahashi Mitsunari acquired international free agency rights during the season, Taira would need to use the posting system to pursue a challenge in the Major Leagues.

Within the team, pitcher Tatsuya Imai, who was the ace last off-season, also used the same system to challenge the Major Leagues, and if this happens, it will be an "outflow" for the second consecutive year. The two pitchers threw a combined 284 1/3 innings this season, and in the event of a double transfer, he is troubled, saying, "It won't be easy to fill that hole, will it? Our pitching strength will change significantly. Of course I want them to stay. With that much talent, it would be a disaster if both were gone. There are no players to replace them."

This off-season, the current collective bargaining agreement in Major League Baseball is set to expire on December 1st, and a lockout is expected to follow. Depending on the situation, negotiations may not be settled, and there is a possibility of entering the new year without it being determined whether he will transfer or stay. The manager stated, "We have no choice but to wait and see. For now, I'm thinking of it as if he won't be here, and if he stays, there's nothing more I could ask for... I want him to stay." Attention is now focused on future developments.