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.