Lotte catcher Ryusei Terachi attended contract renewal negotiations on the 29th and signed a contract for an annual salary of 22 million yen, an increase of 16.5 million yen, four times this season's salary (amount is estimated).

This second season was his big breakthrough year. After making his first season-opening first-team roster, Toshiya Sato catcher he gradually became a fixture starting line-up, appearing in 116 games with a .205 batting average, 5 Home Run 33 RBI and enjoying a breakthrough season. I think I was given the opportunity to play for the team, and I think I was able to grow from last year in that situation. There were some things that didn't go well, but I felt that I was growing little by little," he said, looking back with a satisfied expression on his face.

This offseason, he will work hard on training to strengthen his lower body and reduce his body fat percentage, and in January of next year, he will become an apprentice to DeNA catcher Togashi Yasutaka in an effort to improve his abilities as catcher. "(Togashi) has experience, but he's also very stable overall. His throwing, catch, and blocking are all at a very high level," he said with a sparkle in his eyes, "not only in terms of technique, but I think I'll be able to learn about pitching as well. I hope I can improve my overall level, not just in one area."

Although it is a substantial pay increase of about four times his current salary of 5.5 million yen, he said he was not particularly surprised. When asked how he would reward himself, he laughed and said, "I want a watch. I have my Coming of Age Ceremony coming up," and showed his practical side by saying, "I'll stop making big purchases in December, and I want to move out of the dormitory next year, so I want to save up enough money so I can live in a nice house."

Next season, he aims for a batting average of 30%, saying, "I want to hit .270 or higher, and if possible, .300," and on defense, he is aiming for the position of starting catcher. "This year's results weren't something I could be satisfied with, and Toshiya has returned from injury, so I think he will be in top condition for the year. I think (Matsukawa) Torao and Shota Ueda are players that we need to beat. They are my rivals, so I will do my best from the beginning," he said of his aspirations for next season.

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