Seibu Lions Yuta Kuroki pitcher (31) signed a contract renewal at the team's office in Tokorozawa, Saitama, on March 3, increasing his salary by 12.5 million yen to 24 million yen (estimated amount).

In his ninth year as a professional pitcher, he started the season with Seibu Lions as a developmental player after being released from Nippon-Ham last offseason, and in 29 games, he went 1-1 with 3 hold and 3.38 ERA. The team commented, "He worked hard during the tough summer season. As the oldest member of the relief lineup, he did a good job of keeping the team reliever together," he said. I'm not satisfied, and I haven't found a good response in some areas," he said.

After his first year with Seibu Lions, the right-hander said, "It's great that the relief pitchers all share information, such as how to think about breaking ball, and we all form the same values. There was a lot to learn." Looking ahead to next season, he said, "I really want to win with The Lions because they are a team that I fight with and I really want to win from the bottom of my heart. I have a lot of cute juniors, so I want to win and celebrate together."