outfielder Rakuto Wakabayashi, who was traded from The Giants to Seibu Lions in a cash deal, held a press conference at the team's facilities in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture on the 30th, and expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "I will do my best. I want to contribute to winning the championship." number will be "49". This marks his return to the team since the 2024 season.

Wakabayashi said that during his two years with The Giants, he "really looked at myself and thought about how I could contribute through my play." Regarding manager Nishiguchi, who was the farm team manager when Seibu Lions was with Seibu, he smiled and said, "He's a very interesting person with no hidden agenda. He seems listless, but there are times when he speaks to you in a very touching way. I'm very grateful for his help."

The manager expressed his expectations, saying, "He has potential. I hope he will inspire the other outfielder." As he is expected to be a key piece in their quest to reclaim the top spot for the first time since 2019, he vowed, "I'm happy to hear that. I want to do my best to show that kind of play on ground."

Wakabayashi joined Seibu Lions in 2020 as the fourth overall pick in the draft from Komazawa University. In June 2024, he was traded to the Yomiuri The Giants in exchange for Seiya Matsubara. In his sixth professional season this year, with the rise of younger players, he has only appeared in 21 games so far.