On the 28th, Softbank outfielder Kensuke Kondo renewed his contract at the team office at Mizuho PayPay Dome, signing for an annual salary of 550 million yen (estimated amount), maintaining his current salary. Next season will be the fourth year of a seven-year contract. This season, he suffered back surgery just after the start of the season and returned in June, and despite injuries, he contributed to the team's second consecutive league championship and Japan's top spot. While the team expressed their gratitude, Kondo only played in 75 games, and reflected, "I'm really sorry. I was incredibly happy when we won the league and became Japan's top team, but when I suddenly think about it, my biggest impression is that I haven't done anything."

His goal for next season is to play in every game. "I'm going to review my movements from scratch. I'm going to tighten up the parts that need to be stiff, and get my body to move where it needs to move," he declared, declaring that he will learn how to use his body and batting form to put less strain on his waist. At the same time, he is also eager to prepare for the WBC in March next year, saying, "I want to aim for that." As a member of the team that became world champions in 2023, he spoke passionately about his desire to play in such a venue, saying, "I was able to play last time and saw an amazing view. It was a moment that made me think that I was glad to be playing baseball. As a baseball player, it's only natural that you want to play in such a venue."

Regarding the participation of Dodgers player Ohtani, a junior of his from his days with Nippon-Ham he said with a smile, "Well, I'd be in trouble if he didn't play." He also conducts his own training with an eye on being selected for the Japanese national team. He is in the "S group" for spring training, which is left to his own devices until mid-February. Last year he joined the team in the middle of the season, but he is considering joining earlier, saying, "Because of the WBC, I don't think I can just do it alone the whole time and then join up with the Japan national team. I also need to do infield practice and teamwork."

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