Lotte announced on the 10th that it will dispatch pitcher Hikaru Otani and pitcher Yuta Ibaragi to the JAPAN WINTER LEAGUE 2026. The dispatch period is from November 21st to December 17th (Note: the schedule is subject to change).

▼ Hikaru Otani

I was able to complete my rehabilitation properly after getting injured this season and even pitched in actual games, but the results in those games didn't go as I had hoped. In order to be fully prepared for the start of next year, I want to gain more game experience in the winter league and work towards entering next season in good form.

▼ Yuta Ibaragi

I believe there will be many opportunities to learn, so I will do my best to absorb everything and gain valuable experience to carry forward into next season.