Softbank Hawks Hawks manager Kokubo (54) revealed on the 14th that he plans to start the season with a two-catcher system. Until last season, the three main catchers on the first-team roster were Umino, Tanigawara, and Minei. Kurihara, a former catcher whose main position is third base, resumed catcher practice at the Miyazaki camp in February and even wore the mask during exhibition games, exploring his potential as an option. Manager Kokubo said, "I haven't decided for sure, but if Kurihara is really capable, then we won't need three catchers. Two catcher seems the most likely option."

The number of fielder on the first team, including catcher, is expected to be 17. Competition for a spot on the first team among the younger players will intensify from now on, and Akira Nakamura, who has been delayed due to recovering from back surgery, is scheduled to play in second-team games starting next week. Manager Kokubo revealed that he will promote Nakamura to the first team as soon as he is in good physical condition, saying, "If he is able to move properly, we have talked about him being on the opening day roster. He will be among the 17 players. We talked about this before the February training camp."