The Chiba Lotte Marines of Japanese pro baseball have rejected slugger Lee Seung-yeop's demand for a guaranteed spot on defense next season.

The Japanese daily Sports Hochi on Friday that Lotte representative Ryuzo Setoyama rejected Lee's demand, citing competition as a basic principle.

The team and Lee on Thursday held their first talks on a new contract.

Leading Lotte this season with 30 homers and 82 runs scored, Lee has stressed his guaranteed place on defense is the most crucial factor in his decision to re-sign with the team.