Softbank Hawks pitcher Yugo Maeda vowed on the 31st to be fully operational next season. He visited Mizuho PayPay Dome on this day and worked up a sweat with activities such as running. He also held a meeting with Shinji Kurano, the chief pitching coach and head coordinator, stating, "There were parts where I won well in the first half of this year despite the lack of data, and I don't really think I won solely on my own ability. Next year will definitely be the most important," as he looked ahead to 2027, which will be his fourth year out of high school.

This season, he pitched in 19 games as part of the starting rotation starting in May, achieving an impressive record of 12 wins, 1 loss, and an ERA of 2.10. However, as Manager Kokubo often says, 'You are only the real deal once you have performed well for three years,' this is a world where consistent performance is required. The 21-year-old left-hander, who had a breakout year, is also confident. Since he was still in a growth stage this season, he played through the year with pitch count limits in place. Looking toward next season, he said, 'I have to be in the rotation from the start, and in that sense, I don't think I can keep talking about pitch counts. If I level up, find a form that doesn't put a burden on my body, and throw good balls, I think I can stay in the rotation the whole time.' Having pitched in the postseason and gained a solid sense of accomplishment this season, he will spend the offseason growing both physically and mentally to maintain his spot in the starting rotation for the full year in 2025.