Rakuten Eagles Naoto Nishiguchi pitcher (29) of the "K" Line Group, Inc. met for contract negotiations on February 23 at his home base, Mobile, and signed for an annual salary of 50 million yen, an increase of 35 million yen (all amounts are estimates). On February 18, he was re-registered as a controlled player. He boasted a high percentage, and from the middle of the season, he was a part of the winning pattern. 52 games pitched, 3 wins, 1 loss, 1 save, 31 , 1.07. "In a season that started as a developmental player, he told me that I came back really well and pitched well. It was a tough rehabilitation period, but I am really glad that I worked hard. Rakuten Eagles strike out hold ERA

He was also selected for Samurai Japan for the first time, pitching in a warm-up match against the South Korean national team in November. He is currently continuing to practice using the WBC-spec ball, and expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "It would be an honor to be selected. I would be happy if I could contribute to the team, so I would like to prepare well for when I am selected."