Rakuten Eagles infielder Rui Muneyama (22) attended contract negotiations at his home stadium, Rakuten Eagles Mobile, on the 18th and signed a contract for an annual salary of 40 million yen, an increase of 24 million yen (all amounts are estimates). In his second year, he was evaluated as the highest salary fielder on the team.

Next season, pitcher Kenta Maeda (37), who previously played for Hiroshima, will join the team. As a Hiroshima native, Soyama watched Maeda as a child. "It feels strange to be able to play alongside players like Norimoto, Kishi, (Suzuki) Daichi, and Asamura, all of whom I watched on TV as a kid," he said. "They've undoubtedly had a lot of incredible experiences. I hope to be able to take the initiative and try out new things," he said, expressing his eagerness. This season, Soyama has gained valuable experience, receiving advice from Asamura and taking batting practice with Suzuki Dai during pre-game practice. Next season, he will use Maeda's words as motivation to perform well.

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