◆ Seibu Lions Pacific League: Seibu vs. Lotte (16th, Belluna Dome)

Seibu Lions announced on the 16th that they have signed Francisco Aponte, a player from the Dominican Republic, to a developmental contract. This marks the first time the team has acquired an amateur player from the Dominican Republic. number will be "147".

Aponte is a 17-year-old born in May 2009, and a graduate of Emma Romana Sanchez High School. He is a right-handed pitcher and left-handed hitter infielder. Through the team, he commented, "I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to become a part of the prestigious Saitama Seibu Lions. It is a foreign country far away, but I am looking forward to being able to play baseball I love. I want to grow as a player and become the best player I can be, always giving my best. I would appreciate your support."

Director and General Manager Hiroike said, "Aponte is a 17-year-old short stop whose strengths are his height and speed. He was highly rated by scouts during a series of tryouts in the Dominican Republic, and although there was competition from Major League teams, we have decided to acquire him. This is the first time our team has acquired an amateur player from the Dominican Republic, so we will learn together with him and support his growth. He is still growing taller, and we believe that as his body grows, his speed, power, and technique will continue to improve. We will make sure to develop him into a player who can play in the first team."