Saitama Seibu Lions announced that Shuta Tonosaki will remain with the team without exercising his international free agency rights. In his 12th professional season this year, he played 35 games with the first team and recorded a batting average of .167, partly due to the impact of undergoing a right L2/3 transforaminal full endoscopic discectomy in April to improve his condition. He was granted a special injury exception and acquired international free agency rights in September.

▼Shuta Tonosaki's Comment▼
"I have decided not to exercise my free agency rights and will play for The Lions again next season. I want to refresh my mindset for next season and work hard to be a strength for the team. This season, the team finished in second place and advanced to the Climax Series, but we did not reach the championship. Next season, I will fulfill my role properly, utilize the experience I have gained so far, and do my best to contribute to the team's championship. To all the fans, thank you for your continued warm support."