On the 10th, Seibu Lions announced that pitcher Kona Takahashi had acquired the right to become an overseas free agent.

Takahashi commented through the team, "I have now acquired the right to become an overseas free agent. I feel that I have been able to continue my activities until today thanks to the warm support of the fans and the support of everyone involved with the team. I would like to express my sincere gratitude. First of all, I will focus on the upcoming season and play with all my might to contribute to the team's win."

Takahashi joined Seibu Lions in 2014 as their first overall draft pick. In his rookie year in 2015, he recorded 5 wins, including his first professional win, and in his fifth year, 2019, he achieved his first double-digit win season. In 2020, he reached the required number innings pitched for the first time in his career, and from that year onward, he reached the required innings pitched for four consecutive years, pitching 175 2/3 innings in 2022. From 2021, he achieved double-digit win for three consecutive years, and in 2022, he recorded a career-high 12 wins in a single season.

In 2024, he struggled, appearing in 15 games with a record of 0 wins and 11 losses and ERA of 3.87. However, last season he pitched 148 innings in 24 games, recording 8 wins and 9 losses with ERA of 3.04. So far this season, he has pitched 43 innings in 4 games, boasting a league-leading ERA of 0.84 and 4 wins.