Shion Matsuo of Osaka Toin High School, who was nominated in the first draft by professional baseball player DeNA, signed a provisional contract with the team on the 9th, saying, "I want to make the most of my strengths and do my best to become a regular player." said.
Matsuo is a catcher who has a reputation for batting that combines long hitting power and competitive strength, as well as defense that makes use of his strong shoulders and footwork.
Matsuo negotiated with the team to join the team at a hotel in Osaka on the 9th, and signed a provisional contract with an estimated contract fee of 100 million yen and an annual salary of 11 million yen.
In response to an interview after signing the contract, Matsuo said, "I think I'm making steady progress toward the next step, and I'm starting to feel like I'm going to become a professional."
After that, "I was told by the team that I would do my best in baseball for three years and get a solid regular, so I will do my best to get a regular by making use of my strengths, aggressive batting and speedy play. I want to continue," he said with aspirations.
DeNA's scout Kenki Abe said, "I want Kenta Kozono, the pitcher who won the first draft last year, to form a solid battery in a few years."
In addition, the uniform number has been decided to be "5", which was worn by coach Takuro Ishii, who is also a member of the famous baseball club, when he was active.