Futo Tsunoda (22), a pitcher from Fuji University who was selected as the first-round draft pick by the Orix Buffaloes, vowed to fully master the "legendary fork." On the 27th, the right-hander, who boasts a maximum speed of 153 km/h, received a congratulatory visit from GM Fukura and others at the school in Hanamaki City, Iwate. Expressing his dreams by saying, "I want to aim for Rookie of the Year. I want to become the best pitcher in Japan," he requested to become an apprentice under Hirano, who retired from active play this season.

Having finished his college baseball career with a total of 228 strike outs over 34 regular season games, he believes the key to further growth is improving the accuracy of his fork. 'I am a pitcher who has been entrusted with important situations. I hope to ask about breaking balls,' he said, looking up to the closer who is expected to serve as the minor league manager starting next season. GM Fukura expressed high expectations, stating, 'He is the most highly rated among this year's pitchers.' With a hungry attitude, he first aims to join the starting rotation.