On the 4th, Orix Buffaloes Buffaloes pitcher Iwasaki attended contract negotiations at the team's facility in Maishima, Osaka, and signed a contract for an annual salary of 65 million yen, an increase of 37 million yen (estimated amount). He was transferred in a cash trade in May, and this season is the first year of a two-year contract (with a variable annual salary) that he inherited from his previous time with the Chunichi Dragons. "I was well evaluated. Since I had Tommy John surgery (in 2022), I've been significantly down, so I'm very happy to be able to get my salary back close to that," he said, exuding a sense of fulfillment.
Despite joining the team midway through the season, he recorded 4 wins, 1 loss, 16 hold, and ERA 2.12 in 37 games. In the game Rakuten Eagles on August 7th (Rakuten Mobile Park), he recorded his fastest pitch of 160 km/h, shining as bullpen 's savior. Even at 36 years old, the right-handed pitcher continues to improve. "I was able to spend every day in a very fulfilling way. I really think baseball career has changed for the better, so it was a transfer I'm truly grateful for. I was very happy to hear people say, 'If only Sho hadn't come...' and I want to work even harder next year," he reflected.
At the beginning of next January, he will train together with Wakui, his senior from the Chunichi era, and Matsuyama, his junior, from the middle of the month. Wakui said, "Matsuyama and I have a similar way of thinking about training, and when we were The Dragons together we threw really great pitches against catch ballplayers. I think there is something to be gained even from someone younger. （I hope I can learn a lot from Wakui and make it my own.
He is the second oldest player on the team after Hirano. This season, he has acted as a big brother figure, helping to awaken his junior right-hander Saiki, making him a reliable presence beyond the numbers. Next season will be his first as a member of Orix Buffaloes from the opening game. "I want to pitch in at least 50 games. Even at my age, I'm always thinking about how to get better. The challenge is whether I can aim to be better than I was last year and yesterday in every category," he said, vowing to continue swinging his right arm for the team in his 19th year.
Related News
・ [Orix Buffaloes] Ryoma Nishikawa 's annual salary increases by 100 million yen to 400 million yen. Although he did not meet the required salary, he surpassed Pacific League leader Taisei Makihara with a batting average of .310. "I feel good."
・ [Nippon-Ham] Koki Kitayama renews his contract, a significant increase from his current annual salary of 46 million yen, and aims to "sweep all titles" in his fifth year next season.
・ [Seibu Lions] Third-year right-hander Haruto Yamada renews his contract for 30 million yen, more than four times his contract amount. "I want to stay injury-free for another year next season."
・ [Orix Buffaloes] Hirooka Taishi signs for 44 million yen, double the amount, "I felt the joy of being able to play in the game" - first time he's reached the required number of at-bats in his 10th year as a pro
・ [Nippon-Ham] "Pineapple Suit" Shun Mizutani renews his contract for 50 million yen, almost double the amount. "It's half the amount," "Next year I'll use Ninben..."
