Orix Buffaloes outfielder Yusuke Mugitani has vowed to become a regular outfield. He attended contract negotiations at the team's facility in Maishima, Osaka, and signed for an annual salary of 23 million yen, an increase of 8 million yen (estimated amount). Looking back on his first year as a professional, he said, "What I was able to do was to get used to the life of professional baseball to a certain extent. What I wasn't able to do was to once again feel the weight of each pitch. It was a really good experience."

He joined the team as the first pick in the 2012 draft from Fuji University, and recorded the most stolen base on the team with 12 in 79 games. He aimed for a corner of outfield, but the walls of Nishikawa, Nakagawa, and Sugimoto were too thick. He will move out of the dormitory during the off-season and plan to train independently based in Osaka. "My goal is to become a regular player, but it's all about hitting. I have some really strong seniors, so if I don't hit, I won't be able to play (in the game)," he said, renewing his determination.