Shin Nakai, a pitcher from Komazawa University who was selected as the second-round draft pick by the Orix Buffaloes, held contract negotiations at a hotel in Yokohama on the 13th and signed a provisional contract with a signing bonus of 70 million yen and an estimated annual salary of 12 million yen. A ready-to-play right-hander from Hyogo Prefecture with a maximum speed of 158 km/h, he expressed his anticipation for playing in his hometown, saying, 'I am very happy to be able to play baseball in the Kansai region.'

In the starting rotation, aces Miyagi and Yamashita, who are returning from surgery, will be absent at the start of next season. Sano, the scout in charge, described him by saying, "He has a strong fastball and the stamina to throw. I believe he is a highly polished pitcher ready for immediate contribution," and he is expected to join the rotation along with the first-round draft pick, pitcher Futo Tsunoda (Fuji University). His goals are Rookie of the Year and double-digit wins. He was full of determination, stating, "I see this as an opportunity, so I want to make a name for myself there (in the rotation). I want to get off to a good start so that I can be active from my first year."