Seibu Lions developmental player Sota Hamaoka, a 19-year-old pitcher, underwent contract negotiations at the team office in Tokorozawa City, Saitama on the 30th, signing for a maintained annual salary of 2.8 million yen.

He joined the Seibu Lions as the fourth pick in the 2025 developmental draft from Kawawa High School, a public college-preparatory school in Yokohama, Kanagawa. In his first year this season, he did not make any appearances even on the farm team.

Hamaoka, who struggled with injuries this season including poor upper limb condition, expressed his determination, saying, 'I had many injuries this year and couldn't pitch throughout the season, so I want to pitch without getting injured next year.' He also noted his growth, stating, 'My average fastball speed increased from about 140 kilometers per hour to about 145.'