Rakuten Eagles infielder Yukiya Ito conducted his contract negotiations in Sendai City on the 8th and signed for an annual salary of 15.5 million yen, a decrease of 3.5 million yen.

A handsome infielder who turned 30 in August. This season, he was limited to 19 appearances with the first team, finishing with a .188 batting average and 3 Home Runs, failing to demonstrate his signature power hitting. Reflecting on the season, he said, 'I tried new things with my batting, and while there were some good elements, I wasn't able to make them my own.'

During the negotiations, the team reportedly told him, "There's nothing left to do but perform next year." Heading into his ninth professional season with his back against the wall, he expressed his determination, saying, "I want to mix the new sensations I discovered this year with what I've built up until last year, and clearly demonstrate that through my stats in games."