Yomiuri Giants' owner Takuo Takihana has reaffirmed his intent to keep slugger Lee Seung-yeop next season along with team captain Hiroki Kokubo.

Takihana on Monday told the Japanese daily Sports Hochi that he'll make sure Lee stays with the Giants, adding that Lee and Kokubo are both key players.

Takihana on Sunday even named Lee the team’s best foreign batter after Warren Cromartie.