Seibu Lions Lions pitcher Shinya Sugai (22) attended the club office in Tokorozawa, Saitama on the 3rd to renew his contract, signing a contract for an annual salary of 14 million yen, an increase of 7.3 million yen (estimated amount).

This season, his fourth year as a pro, he made the first-team spring training squad for the first time, and although team circumstances meant he was not able to pitch every six days, he pitched in a career-high 11 games. He recorded a career-high 5 wins (5 losses) with ERA of 3.58, and vowed, "When I was doing well, I was able to compete to a certain extent. During the off-season, I was able to improve my stamina and pitch longer inning. I had 5 wins this year, so next year I want to win 10. I want to be in the starting rotation for the full year."