On the 7th, the professional baseball team Seibu Lions announced that infielder Shuta Tonosaki (33) will remain with the team without exercising his free agency rights. This season, he was limited to a career-low 35 games, finishing with a .167 batting average, 2 Home Runs, and 9 RBI.

The following is the comment released by Tonosaki through the team.

"I have decided not to exercise my free agency rights and will play for The Lions again next season. I want to approach the coming season with a fresh mindset and work hard to be an asset to the team. This season, the team finished in second place and advanced to the Climax Series, but we fell short of the championship. Next season, I will fulfill my role, utilize the experience I have gained so far, and do my absolute best to contribute to the team's victory. To all the fans, I ask for your continued warm support."

Shuta Tonosaki was born on December 20, 1992, in Hirosaki City, Aomori. 33 years old. He went from Hirosaki Jitsugyo High School to Fuji University. He joined the Seibu Lions after being selected as the third-round draft pick in 2014. In 2019, he hit 26 Home Runs and contributed to the victory as a member of Samurai Japan in the Premier 12. As a second baseman, he won the Golden Glove Award in 2020 and 2022. His family home is an apple farm, and he has the nickname Apple Punch. 177 cm, 84 kg. Right-handed pitcher and batter.