Seibu Lions Shuta Tonosaki infielder (32) signed a contract renewal at the team's office in Tokorozawa, Saitama, on May 5 for the current salary of 160 million yen (estimated amount), as he is under a multi-year contract. Next season will be the final year of his four-year contract.
He started this season by being converted from his familiar second base, where he also won a Golden Glove Award, to third base, and played in 115 games, finishing with 84 hit in 359 At Bat, 5 Home Run, 34 RBI, and a batting average of .234. Partway through the season, he also had more opportunities to play right field, and reflected, "I've had the opportunity to gain a lot of experience, and although my performance is disappointing, I hope I can carry this experience into next year."
Regarding the condition of the fracture he sustained after being hit by a pitch in Hit by Pitch against Rakuten Eagles on September 21st (Rakuten Eagles Mobile), the player's association president explained, "I'm about 70 to 80 percent fine. I'll have a medical examination at the end of December, and if I'm given the OK, I'll be able to bat again." Looking ahead to next season, his 12th year as a professional, he revealed his strong feelings, saying, "Personally, I'd like to play second baseman. It's a position I can defend with confidence," but added, "It's a competitive world, so I'm also thinking that if I can play somewhere other than second baseman I might as well. I think the start is important, so my first priority is to prepare and make a strong impression so that I can play in the opening game."
Related News
・ [Seibu Lions] Yuto Koga renews his contract with an increase of 20 million yen. He declares war on the addition of first-round draft pick Kojima, saying, "I have no intention of giving in."
・ [Seibu Lions] Yuta Nakamikawa returned to the team, renewed his contract with an increase of 1.4 million yen, "so that he can produce a certain number of results without any ups and downs."
・ [Seibu Lions] Keisuke Nakata renews his contract for 12 million yen. He appears in a special segment at the fan event, saying, "Let's cheer for baseball."
・ [Seibu Lions] Ryota Itokawa renews his contract with an increase of 2.5 million yen, saying, "I want to make more inroads."
・ [Seibu Lions] Shunsuke Sato renews his contract with a 5 million yen reduction: "It just dragged on without me knowing how to solve it."
