Rakuten Eagles pitcher Sota Fujiwara attended a contract renewal meeting in Sendai City on the 7th and signed for an unchanged annual salary of 16 million yen.

The first-round draft pick rookie, who was expected to be an immediate asset, was sent down to the minor league after three starts immediately after the season opener without a single win. After being promoted again in the second half of the season, he moved to a reliever role, but finished with 0 wins and 2 losses across a total of 16 games.

The right-hander looked back on his first contract negotiation, which resulted in his salary remaining unchanged, saying, 'I am grateful even though I did not contribute to the team's win.' He renewed his determination, stating, 'Kutani (6th round pick) and Tatsuki Ito (2nd round pick) both won, but I was the only one who couldn't. Next year, I want to get my first win and have them make first-win merchandise for me.'

Along with his first win, the goal he set for next season is to become the 'first Japanese player in the organization to hit 160 km/h.' With his personal best at 158 km/h, it seems well within reach, but he stated, 'Just being fast isn't enough. I have to be able to control it. This year, I was just throwing fast balls. It's not a speed gun contest, so I want to be able to hit 160 km/h while properly watching the batter,' as he aims to become a high-level power pitcher.

In his first year, he experienced both starting and relief pitching. Regarding the next season, he said, "I have conveyed my intentions to the club," but he did not explicitly state his preferred position to the press. For his off-season training starting in the new year, he plans to apprentice under the closer Fujihira, from whom he said he "learned about the attitude and preparation for baseball (this season)."