Softbank Hawks pitcher Haru Matsumoto held contract renewal negotiations at the team office inside Mizuho PayPay on the 16th, signing a contract for an annual salary of 3,600, four times his current salary of 9 million. This season, his third year after graduating from college, he pitched in 29 games, including 15 starts, with a record of 6 wins and 6 losses and ERA of 2.76. "I had intended to compete as a starter all year, but I ended up as reliever, so it's a disappointing season for me," he reflected. "If I work hard during the off-season, I think I can win (a spot in the starting rotation). I just have to be strict with myself," he said, vowing to win the tough competition next season.