Softbank Hawks outfielder Ukyo Shuto held contract renewal negotiations at Mizuho PayPay Dome on the 23rd, signing a massive five-year, 2 billion yen contract. Calculated as a single year, this represents a significant increase from 110 million yen to 290 million yen. The speedster, who turns 30 in February of this year, has essentially signed a contract that sees him spending his entire career with The Hawks. "I'd often thought about going to America, but posting (is not permitted by the team), and when I considered my age and various other things, including injuries...and my ability as well, I thought it would be difficult," he said, revealing his decision to give up on his dream of playing in the MLB.

Senga-san said a lot of things to me. He said, "Senga-san said a lot of things to me, 'Are you coming or not? We talked about various things all the time, and I'm going to play in Japan," said Kota Senga pitcher of the Mets, a senior player from The Hawks the Mets' developmental program, who gave him the backing he needed. Last year, Shuto won the stolen base King for the fourth time in three consecutive years. It was noted that his legs and defense would soon be good enough for the U.S. baseball world.