Aoyama Gakuin University catcher Kai Watanabe (22), who was selected as the first-round draft pick by the Rakuten Eagles, held contract negotiations at a hotel in Yokohama on the 10th and reached an agreement with a signing bonus of 100 million yen and an annual salary of 16 million yen (both amounts are estimates).

He attended the press conference in a suit and expressed his aspirations, saying, 'I am purely happy. It has finally started to sink in. I believe this is a world where only results in the first team matter. I want to win a spot in the opening day starting line-up and play an active role as a regular player.'

Regarding the movement of the Rakuten Eagles catcher group, Ota, who appeared in 100 games this season, exercised his domestic free agency rights. Kai joined the team via a cash trade from The Giants. Watabe spoke about Kai, saying, 'He is someone who has had many experiences, so I want to learn from him. I want to ask various questions and absorb what I can,' expressing his desire to become his 'apprentice' as soon as possible.

Kai Watabe. Born on August 20, 2004, in Osaka City, Osaka. 22 years old. Won the Koshien championship in the summer of his second year at Chiben Wakayama. Hit 38 career Home Runs in high school. Became the regular catcher at Aoyama Gakuin University starting in the spring of his freshman year, contributing to six consecutive Tohto League titles. Selected for the Japanese national team in three categories: U15, U18, and university. 180 cm, 90 kg. Right-handed pitcher and right-handed batter.