On the 12th, Orix Buffaloes Ryuhei Sotani pitcher Ryuhei Soya attended contract negotiations at the team's facility in Maishima, Osaka, and signed a contract for an annual salary of 55 million yen, an increase of 17 million yen (estimated amount). "I was told that I pitched throughout the year, and that my performance had been quite inconsistent, so I hope that next year I can pitch consistently (in good condition) throughout the year," he reflected.
In his third year this season, he has been working hard as part of the starting rotation since the start of the season, recording a career-high eight wins in the first half of the season alone. In a match against Seibu Lions on May 18th (Belluna Dome), he dominated a pitching duel with Sumida, allowing four hit one runs, and no walk, recording his first complete game game as a pro. He ended the second half of the season win, falling short of his target number of innings pitched. "I still have a lot to improve on, both physically and technically. I think I was able to show what I could in the first half of the season, so I want to keep working hard in that area throughout the year," he said, speaking of his gains and challenges.
In the Samurai Japan warm-up match against Korea on the 16th (Kyocera Dome Osaka), he pitch three complete innings as a starter. He succeeded in appealing as a candidate for the "second start" for the World Baseball Classic (WBC) in March next year. "First of all, I want to prepare to throw throughout the season, and I would be happy if my name (for the Japan national team) was mentioned," Soya said. "Anyway, stick to the inning and be prepared to throw the rules for a long inning. I want to be a member of the rotation and be able to lead the way," he said.
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・ [Yakult] Akabane Yuhiro signs for 22 million yen, a 120% increase. He will play seven positions this season, but next season he is "aiming for infield."
・ [Hanshin Tigers] Daichi Ishii renews his contract with an annual salary of 200 million yen, appealing to the team to challenge the US major leagues in the future, "Always aiming for a higher level"
・ [Orix Buffaloes] Keita Nakagawa signs for 100 million yen. "The best thing was that I was able to play without any injuries." He has reached the milestone of 100 million yen among homegrown Japanese fielder, following Masataka Yoshida and others.
・ [Orix Buffaloes] Yuma Mune signs for 62 million yen, a decrease of 11 million yen. "I can't be called a regular unless I play at least 120 games."
・ [Orix Buffaloes] 41-year-old Yoshihisa Hirano signs for a 110 million yen reduction, exceeding the reduction limit. "I want to do both well." He will also serve as a coach next season.
