Rakuten infielder Hiroto Kobukata attended contract negotiations at Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi on the 1st and signed a contract for an annual salary of 85 million yen, a 5 million yen reduction (all amounts are estimates). This season, he played in 124 games, but mostly served as a pinch runner or defense replacement, and for the first time in his sixth year, he did not reach the required number of at-bats, with only 357 at-bats, his lowest total. His batting average was .217.
"I received positive feedback from the team on defense and base running," he said, but reflected, "I hardly played in any games in the second half, so it was a very frustrating season. You can't play in games unless you hit, so I was on the bench feeling all sorts of things." During the off-season, he will practice by increasing the amount of swings he makes, while searching for ways to use his body and a swing that suits him. On the autographed card, he wrote, "Win!" and added, "It's not just about winning games, but also about winning the competition to secure a position." He is showing his presence, not to be outdone by the rise of younger players.
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・ [Rakuten] Masahiro Ehara, who vows to "keep up his good form for a year," signs for 14 million yen, an increase of 4 million yen.
・ [Rakuten] "I'll get revenge" says Yuya Ogo, signing for 60 million yen, a 6 million yen reduction
・ [Chunichi Dragons] Tsuchida Ryuku signs for 13 million yen, a 2.2 million yen reduction. "This is my last chance. I hope I can channel my frustration into next year."
・ [Lotte] Koshiro Wada signs for 20 million yen, a 5 million yen reduction. "My skills were not good enough," he says. After 0 stolen base this season, he has found his place again.
