Seibu Lions Lions pitcher Mitsunari Takahashi attended contract renewal negotiations at the team office in Tokorozawa, Saitama on the 28th, and signed for an estimated 250 million yen (estimated amount), an increase of 40 million yen.
After the negotiations were completed, Takahashi Mitsuru appeared at a press conference and expressed his aspirations with a refreshing expression, saying, "I want to pitch where I'm most needed, and I have a strong desire to win with The Lions, so I'll do my best and pitch at my full potential this year as well."
Last offseason, Takahashi Hikaru had been aiming to use the posting system to transfer to the majors, something he had long desired, but gave up after disagreements on terms. If all goes well, he will acquire the right to become an overseas free agent this season. He did not comment on whether he would exercise it, but he did express his strong desire to move to the majors, saying, "My baseball career is not over yet, so I want to pitch well this year, achieve my career-high results, and then think about it again. It would be the worst thing I could do to give up now."
The right-handed pitcher, who had an 8-9 record and a 3.04 ERA last season, traveled to the United States and trained hard in Arizona for about three weeks. He has also started pitch practice in bullpen, and with a hearty laugh said, "I feel like I can play in the game tomorrow," suggesting that his preparation is going smoothly.
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・ "So that I can see that this decision was not wrong," Seibu Seibu Lions allows Mitsunari Takahashi to transfer to the US via posting.
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