On the 26th, the Seibu Lions announced that they will dispatch three players—pitcher Haruse Narita, pitcher Keishin Saito, and Yuta Nakamizo—to the Puerto Rico Winter League.

▼Comment pitcher Haruse Narita

In order to meet the team's expectations and make a leap forward next season, I decided to participate in the Puerto Rican league to gain various experiences. I am not sure how I will be utilized there, but I want to make the most of my strengths even at a high level and act as a closer against the opposing hitter. Through this winter league, I hope to refine my skills, deepen my knowledge, and return as a more developed player.

Comment from pitcher Keishin Saito

I want to make next year a year of taking on challenges. In order to earn a spot on the 70-man roster, I volunteered to participate in the high-level Winter League, hoping to grow even further. I want to level up one or two more steps and expand my repertoire. Along with achieving good results in this Winter League, I will work hard to acquire the skills necessary to be invited to the first-team camp in Nango, so that I can start next year in the first-team camp.

Comment from Yuta Nakamitsu

I volunteered to participate in the winter league to overcome the challenge of handling powerful fastballs, which I felt when I was promoted to the first team this April. I believe that if I can consistently hit fastballs, I will be able to think more simply at the plate. Additionally, since I will be facing pitchers I have never played against before, my goal is to develop the ability to adapt to new opponents with an eye toward the first-team stage. This season, I felt frustrated because I couldn't break into the first-team roster. I will work hard to grow during this winter league so that I can show my presence among the core players during next spring's camp.