On the 28th, Orix Buffaloes outfielder Yutaro Sugimoto attended contract negotiations at the team's facility in Maishima, Osaka, and signed for an annual salary of 77 million yen, an increase of 10 million yen (estimated amount). In 2013, he cleared the required number of at-bats for the first time in four years, hitting 16 Home Run and leading the team with an OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage) of .758. During pre-negotiations this year, he was offered a salary increase of 9 million yen from 67 million yen, but he explained why he was the only player on the team to negotiate over the new year.
After about 40 minutes of negotiations, he signed as the final player in Pacific League League. "It's been a while since I've reached the required number of at-bats, and I've been able to accompany the first team all year without any serious injuries. I still feel like I could have hit more, and when I looked at my own performance and indicators on the team, I found that I had surpassed most of the top indicators... I got a little excited when I saw how much my teammates who had reached the same required number of at-bats had increased, and when I went to negotiate (before the end of the year) I was told I'd get a 9 million increase," he said, explaining that there was a gap between his initial request and the amount he was hoping for.
In the end, he received an additional 1 million yen, and said, "It's a little frustrating, but I want to use this frustration to hit the white ball this year (2014)." He also said, "There were some difficult parts in terms of the schedule, so the contract ended up being at this time. I'm sorry about that," bowing his head, as he had been doing voluntary training in Miyakojima, Okinawa during January.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, his 11th year as a professional, he said, "We came in third (in 2013), so I want to win again and go on a trip to Hawaii with everyone. I want to hit more and more and contribute to the team's win." He is one home run away from hitting 100 Home Run. "I hope I can hit one in the opening game," he said enthusiastically.
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・ [Orix Buffaloes] The team's only unrenewed player, Raoh Yutaro Sugimoto, will be negotiating a contract on January 28th. In 2013, he hit 16 Home Run the most on the team.
