On the 1st, Nippon-Ham manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo sent a warm message of support following the club's commencement of the application process for Hiromi Ito's posting transfer, stating, 'This is something we have been discussing for a long time. I want to support the decision he has made.'

On the other hand, he revealed his honest feelings of wanting to aim for the league championship alongside the ace, while also supporting Ito's dream, saying, 'It hasn't been decided (where he's going) yet, right? He might stay. I'd like to play together, but it's not something I can have a say in. Let's wait.'

Ito did not participate in the fall camp at Es Con Field and commented through the club, "Playing in the Major Leagues has been a dream of mine since I was a child and one of the goals I have always aimed for. On the other hand, since becoming a professional baseball player, my primary mission has been to win a championship with The Fighters, and I have worked hard every day to contribute to the team's win. First of all, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my family, including my parents and my wife, who have supported me up to this point. I am also deeply grateful to the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters for selecting me as their first-round draft pick, having been born and raised in Hokkaido, and for giving me the opportunity to grow as a professional baseball player."