Seibu Lions Yamato Fuji pitcher (19) signed a contract renewal with a salary of 2.8 million yen (estimated). The left-hander, whose qualities were praised by manager Fujikawa, vowed to "make my first appearance in the first team" in his second year with the team. Hanshin Tigers win
He is a large 186cm left arm who joined Seibu Lions as a first-round draft pick in last fall's developmental draft from Omiya Higashi. In his rookie season, he was not promoted to a managerial position, but he produced a lot of strike out hits with his 151 km/h fastest straight ball thrown down from his unique form. I've had a fulfilling year, making my first win appearance in the second team. fastball I found out that I can play well against famous players, so I think the key for next season is to improve my breaking ball.
From November 15th to December 7th, he participated in the 2025 Asia Winter Baseball League held in Taiwan. He started in three games, pitching 15 1/3 innings with a league-leading 0.59 ERA and second-best 18 strike out. "I allowed runner on base quite often, but even when I wasn't in top form, I was able to put together a solid pitching routine," he said. It was a month of learning as he competed alongside players from other teams. "I was taught a new grip for slider, and I was able to correct some of the imperfections in my form," said Hiroike, general manager of the baseball team. "He absorbs a lot wherever he goes. His attitude of verbalizing his own challenges and steadily working to overcome them, and then clearing each one one by one, is admirable," he said. His drive is a major attraction.
In this autumn's Miyazaki Phoenix League, he started against Hanshin Tigers (Nango) on October 8th, toppling the league champions. His talent was also praised unreservedly by the opposing team's manager, Fujikawa. For his voluntary training, he will be studying under left-handed ace Sumida. "I asked him. He's a player who has been starting as a left-handed pitcher for a long time. I want to learn a lot of things, such as the mindset of a starter, and since Sumida can throw 150 km/h, the weight and pitching techniques that will allow him to maintain that speed." His goal for next season is "to definitely win a contract and achieve his first win in the first team." We'll be keeping an eye on how this new talent will make a leap next season. (Oonaka Ayami)
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