Seibu Lions Lions pitcher Yuutaro Watanabe (25) went to the team office in Tokorozawa, Saitama, on the 3rd to renew his contract, signing a contract for an annual salary of 43 million yen, more than double his previous salary by 23 million yen (estimated amount).
This season, his seventh year as a pro, he made it into the opening rotation and stayed in the rotation all year without a single absence, appearing in a career-high 23 games with a record of 7 wins, 9 losses, and an ERA of 2.69. "I think this is the best season so far. I've really come to understand my own body, what makes it good and what doesn't, and I also have a great understanding of pitch mechanics and things like that, which is why I was able to fight all year without any major absences," he reflected.
Next season, Imai and Takahashi, who both defended the starting rotation, may both be leaked, and the right-hander is required to play a role as the team's winning head. "I think I have to take the lead in leading the pitcher team, and I have a sense of responsibility.
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・ [Seibu Lions] Shota Hamaya, who returned to the team in July, has renewed his contract. "Next year, I will pitch at least twice as many times as this year."
・ [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."
[Seibu Lions] Fourth-year right-hander Masaya Kuroda renews his contract with an annual salary of 7.3 million yen, an increase of 1 million yen. "I'm no longer satisfied at all."
・ [Lotte] Haruya Tanaka renews his contract for 23 million yen, an increase of 12 million yen. "It's good motivation for next year."
・ [Hanshin Tigers] Masaki Oikawa renews contract for 100 million yen, an increase of 70 million yen. He has made 66 appearances this season with ERA in the 0s, which is "not an easy number to achieve."
