The Softbank Hawks have decided that Team Chairman Sadaharu Oh and Manager Hiroki Kokubo will not participate in the draft meeting on the 22nd. Chairman Oh had participated every year, but this decision was made in consideration of his physical condition. Manager Kokubo arrived in Yokohama on the 21st to prepare for the first game of the Japan Series on the 24th, and like last year, it was decided that he would focus exclusively on the championship battle.

If there is competition for the first-round draft pick, CBO Kenji Johjima is scheduled to serve as the lottery drawer.