On the 10th, Orix Buffaloes catcher Kosuke Tajima attended contract negotiations at the team's facility in Maishima, Osaka, and signed a contract for an annual salary of 2.5 million yen, an increase of 100,000 yen (estimated amount). "I was told that I was able to play in many games among development players, and that defense and many other people have been evaluating my defensive skills," he recalled.

After stints at Ryukoku University Heian and BC Shinano, he joined the team as the fifth pick in last fall's development draft. In his first season with the Western League, he struggled a bit with a batting average of .159, but he played in 45 games and gained valuable experience. "While I felt the difference in strength in many ways, the level of pitcher I was facing has also improved, so it was rewarding. There were several games where the game unfolded in the way I had planned, so I enjoyed the whole year," he concluded.

His goal for next season, his second year, is to be promoted to the regular team. "The deadline is July 31st, but I'm not counting backwards from that. I'll prepare during the (Miyazaki) training camp so that I can be promoted as soon as possible," he said enthusiastically.

First-year development right-Taiga Uehara pitcher Uehara Taiga also signed for 2.5 million yen, an increase of 100,000 yen, infielder Musashi Shimizu, who played in 28 games in the Western League, also signed for 2.5 million yen, an increase of 100,000 yen. Uehara, who is aiming to return from a back injury he developed in August, said, "It would be best if I could pitch in bullpen at the beginning of the new year. First of all, I want to show that I can compete for a year, and I always want to become a regular player as soon as possible." Shimizu vowed, "My first priority is to become a regular player. But before that, I want to play in games properly in the second team and achieve good results."