On the 3rd, Orix Buffaloes Taketo Ashida pitcher Takehi Ashida attended contract renewal negotiations at the players' dormitory in Konohana Ward, Osaka City, and signed for 2.5 million yen, an increase of 100,000 yen from his current annual salary of 2.4 million yen (estimated amount). "I felt like I was doing really well in the first half of the season, but in the second half there were games where I couldn't pitch the way I wanted to. I wish I could have achieved good results throughout the season," he said, talking about his challenges and gains.
He is a right-handed pitcher who joined the team as the fourth pick in the 2023 development draft. In his second season this year, he pitched in 23 games (15 starts) in the Western League, posting solid results with 3 wins, 4 losses and an ERA of 3.67. Despite this, fellow right-handed Kaede Yokoyama and Iriyama were promoted to the regular team, but his own name was not called. "I was a starter at the time, so if (another) starter had been promoted, I would have been extremely disappointed. I often talk to Iriyama on a regular basis, so deep down I feel disappointed, but I'm also happy," he said, revealing how inspired he was.
With a view to his third year in the league next season, he will be training under a senior left-handed pitcher this offseason. "Daiki Tajima asked me to train with him this winter. Specifically, I'm planning to run six kilometers a day, as I want to improve my stamina," he explained. "I want to be able to pitch as both a starter or reliever next year. I want to work hard and aim to get one win in the first team," he said enthusiastically.
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[Orix Buffaloes] Development player Sota Kawano signs for 2.6 million yen, an increase of 100,000 yen... "I want to play fast and be under control" in his third year next season
・ [Orix Buffaloes] Kazuya Katsuki, who has played in 109 games, signs for 4.8 million yen... He's down 5kg from his 91kg weight. "I'm on a hotpot diet, skipping rice at night."
・ [Seibu Lions] Fourth-year left-handed pitcher Shinya Sugai renews his contract for 14 million yen, an increase of 7.3 million yen, with the goal of "10 wins next year."
[Orix Buffaloes] Sho Gibo, who has played in 158 games, signs for 5 million yen, a 5 million yen reduction. "I'll recover from my injury and become a valuable asset to the team."
[Softbank Hawks] Shuto Ogata, Hikaru Kimura Taiga Kamichatani sees a decrease of 8 million yen. Five players renewed their contracts on the 2nd.
