Softbank Hawks Hawks outfielder Ukyo Shuto acquired domestic free agency rights on the 2nd. He commented, "I am happy as a professional baseball player to have acquired free agency rights, which are proof that I have played on the first team stage. I joined The Hawks as a developmental player, became a regular player, and have come this far to acquire free agency rights, all thanks to the support of many people. I would also like to thank the team and the successive coaching staff who have given me opportunities to play in the first team. I will continue to do my best to contribute to the team's consecutive championships and to becoming the best in Japan."

Last offseason, Shuto signed a massive contract worth over 2 billion yen over five years.