Nippon-Ham catcher Yuya Gunji renewed his contract at ESCON on the 3rd, signing a contract that was offered him over 100 million yen. "It's almost double," he said, a significant increase from his estimated 55 million yen this season. On reaching 100 million yen in his sixth year (seventh season) as a professional, he said with a smile, "I've reached the milestone. It's been my goal since I became a baseball player, so I'm happy."
In his sixth season this season, he not only played his regular position as catcher, but also started at first base, third base, and left field. He has also batted from 1st to 8th in batting order. He was a symbol of Shinjo-Ham's flexible use of the team. At a press conference towards the end of the season, manager Shinjo said, "Gunji is a kind of utility player, in that he can play anywhere safely and does a good job no matter what batting batting order he's in. His salary will triple."
He was traded from Chunichi in June of '23. His salary in the '23 Chunichi era was an estimated $9.75 million. In the three years since then, his salary has increased tenfold. I think it's the power of the The Fighters team that I've only been with them for less than three years and they've raised my salary so much, so I thought I've joined a really good team.
Next season, number will be changed to "3" and he has been confirmed to be the opening day fourth batter. "I want to increase the speed of the ball and become a batter who can hit long balls. We have the strongest hitter in the league, Reyes, so I think this will be a very important season for me as the batter batting behind him. I want him to compete as much as possible, so I want him to think, 'Yeah, I don't want Gunji batting behind me after all.'" he said, looking ahead to next season.
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