It was revealed on the 21st that Kansai University pitcher Yuto Yonezawa (22) has been listed as a candidate for Lotte's first-round draft pick. Director Saburo (50), who spoke at ZOZO Marine the day after the scouting meeting on the 20th, refrained from announcing the first-round pick, but the man evaluated within the club as the 'number one left-hander' was the one who led his team to their first championship in 54 years by holding Keio University to zero runs over five innings as a closer in the All Japan University Baseball Championship final in June. While his fastball tops out at 149 km/h, he commands a splitter, curveball, and slider, possessing high game-making ability and being counted on as an immediate contributor.

Lotte's left-handed pitching situation is dire, with Ojima recording 6 wins and 9 losses in 20 appearances, and Mori posting 3 wins and 6 losses in 17 appearances. While the rising talent Yoshikawa earned his second professional win, he remains an unknown factor for next season. Furthermore, there is a possibility that Ojima, who holds domestic free agency rights, could leave for another team. To reinforce this weak point, there are voices within the organization recommending Yonezawa, and a plan exists to target him as a solo pick in the draft.

In addition, Suzuki Tai of Aoyama Gakuin University, Miyahara, a 156-kilometer right-hander from Kindai University, and Kawajiri of Asia University are evaluated as being ready for the immediate roster. If the focus is on future potential, there is a possibility they may move to nominate Komoda, a two-way player from Yamanashi Gakuin and a Chiba native, but the final decision on the first-round pick is likely to be made on the day of the draft.