On the 23rd, Kansai University pitcher Yuto Yonezawa (22), who was selected as the first-round draft pick by Lotte, received a post-draft visit at the university in Suita City, Osaka. One day after the draft meeting, Amateur Scout Director Enoki and scout in charge Mika expressed their high expectations, stating, 'We want you to become the face of the team as a starter and a pitcher who represents Japan.'

The left-hander, who can throw up to 149 km/h and led his team to their first university championship in 54 years this June, maintained a serious expression throughout, stating, "I want to live up to expectations and I feel a sense of renewed determination." He vowed, "I want to improve the strength of my signature fastball and level up the precision of my breaking balls. I hope to become a representative left-hander for Japan and the face of the Chiba Lotte Marines."

He received over 300 congratulatory messages the previous night and said with a smile, "I will reply to all of them." He also contacted Osaka University of Commerce pitcher Sena Hoshino, a fellow left-hander from the Kansai region who was selected as a first-round pick by DeNA, and they pledged to do their best. "It's starting to feel real now," he said, becoming aware of his entry into the professional world. He set a goal, stating, "I want to contribute significantly from my first year and become the Rookie of the Year."