Lotte's second-round draft pick, Kaito Mori (Meiji University), was scheduled to start in the opening game against Seibu Lions on March 27 at Zozo Marine Stadium, it was announced on the 21st.

Mouri said through the baseball team, "I got goosebumps when Manager Saburo called me into the manager's office after practice and told me, 'I'm going to open the season with you. The manager also told me to enjoy myself to the fullest. Yesterday's pitch content wasn't good, but in a good way, I think I'm just going to open up, be open-minded, and give it my all. To be honest, I'm not sure how I feel about the fact that this is the first time in 76 years that a rookie on a baseball team has opened pitcher the season, but I think it's a great accomplishment. I think I will be very nervous, but I think the fans' loud cheering will help me since the game will be played on our home field Zozo Marine Stadium. I will do my best to contribute to a win. I will do my best to contribute to the victory.

The opening mound of manager Saburo's first year will be entrusted to a rookie left-handed pitcher.