Softbank Hawks pitcher Yuki Matsumoto attended contract renewal negotiations at the Mizuho PayPay team office on the 7th and signed a contract for an annual salary of 180 million yen, an increase of 70 million yen.
In the 2025 season, he ERA in 51 games with a career-high ERA of 1.07. He pitched in 50 or more games for the third consecutive year, recording 44 hold points and earning the title of Best reliever. "I was satisfied with my performance, but there were times in the second half when I got hit. I want to avoid that from happening again and produce good results throughout the year," he said, revealing his ambition. The team also praised him for his consistent results, and he vowed to pitch in 50 or more games for the fourth consecutive season, saying, "If I can play in a good position all year, I think I can do that (60 games). I'm not thinking specifically about 60, but I want to pitch in the position I'm supposed to pitch in all year."
He was also selected to represent Japan in the match against South Korea in the "LUXAS Samurai Japan Series" in November 2025. He pitched in the first game, striking out three batters in one inning with seven pitches. He also expressed his eagerness to play in the WBC, which begins in March, saying, "I believe there is a chance, so I'm pitching a little earlier than before and am ready to go at any time if I'm called upon."
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