outfielder Rakuto Wakabayashi, who was traded from The Giants to Seibu Lions, joined the first team's full practice at their home stadium, Belluna Dome, on the 30th.
After the press conference announcing his joining the team, he changed into his team uniform and went onto ground with manager Nishiguchi. Seibu Lions players, who were warming up, stopped their movements for a moment and formed a circle to welcome Wakabayashi.
Wakabayashi joined Seibu Lions in 2020 as the fourth overall pick in the draft from Komazawa University. He was traded to The Giants midway through the 2024 season, and returned to Seibu Lions on the 29th in a cash trade, after a two-year absence.
![[The Giants] Rakuto Wakabayashi: "Every day was exciting" - Giants' surprise cash trade to Seibu Lions brings their roster down to 69 players... The team circumstances of both clubs behind it.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/07/29/20260729-OHT1I51175-C.jpg)
![[Seibu Lions] Acquires The Giants' Rakuto Wakabayashi in a cash trade, marking his return since 2012. This move aims to strengthen outfielder which has been struggling to find a consistent lineup while Kuwahara and Hasegawa are sidelined.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/07/29/20260729-OHT1I51113-C.jpg)
![[Seibu Lions] Wakabayashi Rakuto returns to the team after two years via trade, holds press conference: "I will do my best." "I thought a lot about how I could contribute with my play" during his two years with The Giants.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/07/30/20260730-OHT1I51085-L.jpg)
![A rich blue banana smoothie featuring the vibrant "The Lions Blue" color [Pacific League Gourmet Club #75]](https://media.insight.pacificleague.com/webp/tsuBe0bectsww2LLsbOr0OPmo0k72wZNSB532Uuy.webp)
