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.