Nippon-Ham outfielder Ryota Isobata (27) vowed on the 25th to make a comeback next season as the absolute center fielder. Participating in the Es-Con autumn practice since the 22nd, he said, "I have always had the desire to play as a regular. It is frustrating and regrettable that I haven't been able to seize it myself." In his sixth professional season this year, he finished with a .224 batting average, 3 RBI, and 13 stolen bases in 101 games. Last season, he recorded a .232 batting average and 25 stolen bases in 118 games, and he expressed his frustration at being unable to improve his numbers from the previous year.

Even so, he felt a sense of confidence within himself. His batting average in the 24 games he was in the starting line-up this season was .267, and he noted, "If you only look at the games where I was in the starting line-up, it was nearly .270, so from here it is about the quality of the at-bats and the on-base percentage. I think the fact that I was struck out many times stands out, so I have to practice more and more. I need to become a batter that cannot be left out even when I am not hitting." He aims to become an indispensable presence in the batting order through bunts, advancing runners, and persistence at the plate.

The model to follow is infielder Takuya Nakashima, who retired from active play this season. In 2016, he played in every game as the regular shortstop, and while his batting average was .243, he recorded an on-base percentage of .333 and contributed to the league championship and the Japan Series title with 23 stolen bases. 'There were many things to learn from Taku-san, such as his perspective on baseball and his team-oriented hitting. I need to improve my on-base percentage and team hitting, and I believe if those areas grow, I will be given more opportunities to play in games.' Setting the goal of improving from this season's .250 on-base percentage, he is following in the footsteps of his senior, who is also a left-handed hitter.

As a team, they were unable to settle on a regular center fielder this season. Twelve players started in that position, including Isabata and Yazawa, who are primarily outfielders, as well as infielders Castro and Nomura, and Yoshida, who is registered as a catcher. Wearing number 50 and boasting world-class speed, he will demonstrate his presence at the plate and aim to seize the center field position next season.