Seibu Lions Yamato Fuji pitcher (19) signed a contract renewal at the team's office in Tokorozawa, Saitama, on April 10 for an annual salary of 2.8 million yen, which is the same as his current salary (amount estimated).
The left-handed pitcher joined Seibu Lions as the first pick in last fall's development draft from Omiya Higashi. "I was able to get my first win in the second division, so it was a fulfilling year. I learned that fastball works against famous players, so I think the key for next season will be to hone breaking ball," he said of his first year with confidence.
He participated in the 2025 Asia Winter Baseball League held in Taiwan from November 15th to December 7th. He started in three games, pitching 15 1/3 innings with a league-leading ERA of 0.59 and second-highest strike out of 18.
In this fall's draft, his older brother Hayato (Nippon Express) was selected fifth overall by the Lotte Marines. If he is promoted to a controlled team, there is a possibility that a brotherly showdown will take place on the first-team stage. "We're both on Pacific League team, so I hope I can win a controlled spot and pitch against him," he said, looking forward to spending his off-season.
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・ [Hanshin Tigers] Taiyo Sano renews his contract with an annual salary of 7.3 million yen, an increase of 300,000 yen, and is training with Kaito Muramatsu of Chunichi Dragons in a joint voluntary training session, saying, "I've changed my attitude."
・ [Yakult] Pinch hitter Takeshi Miyamoto renews his contract for 28 million yen, an increase of 5 million yen. Next season, he aims to surpass Mitsuru Manaka's record of 31 hit in a season.
・ [Lotte] Rookie of the Year, Misho Nishikawa, renews his contract for 42 million yen, an increase of 26 million yen, "seeking further growth"
・ [Seibu Lions] Yuta Kuroki renews his contract. The oldest reliever this season, "I really want to win the championship with The Lions"
