Seibu Lions Mikato Aoyama pitcher met for contract renewal negotiations at the team's office in Tokorozawa, Saitama, on August 18 and signed for 12 million yen, a decrease of 3.5 million yen (all amounts are estimates).
In his third year this season, he started off slow due to an injury, and although he was promoted to the first team in mid-September, he only pitched in two games reliever pitcher. "I couldn't do anything. Even though I was given a chance to play in the first team, I couldn't produce results. I want to do my best next year," he said, vowing to bounce back.
In November, he traveled to Puerto Rico to compete in the Winter League, where he pitched in 11 games, 10 strike out for 15 inning and gained confidence in splitter his fastball from his right arm. I looked up some of the players who were former majors. I was able to get strikeouts with splitter the strength of my fastball. I was able to closer hitters like that, so there were some balls that gave me confidence," he said, his expression tightening.
He has played for Yokohama Hayato and Asia University, and next season will be his fourth year. Team General Manager Hiroike expects him to awaken, saying, "Next year will be a very important year." As a rookie in 2022, he was entrusted with closer in the opening game and pitched in 39 games, recording three saves. "I think I'll be a relief pitcher next year. I want to pitch consecutively and pitch across innings so that I can surpass my first year," he said, showing his strong determination.
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