The Chunichi Dragons on Thursday secured negotiating rights with Osaka Toin High School's Akira Neo, one of the top prospects in the NPB amateur draft.
Four clubs expressed an interest in signing Neo in the draft's first round, in which the right to negotiate with a player selected by multiple teams is won in a lottery.
Neo, an infielder who also pitches, hit three home runs and contributed to Osaka Toin's victory at the National High School Baseball Championship at Koshien Stadium in August.