Orix Buffaloes pitcher Shumpeita Yamashita attended contract renewal negotiations at the player dormitory in Maishima, Osaka on the 9th, and signed for an annual salary of 23 million yen, a decrease of 7 million yen that approached the reduction limit (amounts are estimates).

In his sixth professional season this year, he was sidelined before the opening day due to poor condition in his right elbow. Although he resumed throwing once in April, his condition did not improve as expected. In May, he underwent medial collateral ligament reconstruction surgery on his right elbow at a hospital in the United States, and he did not make any game appearances for either the first or second team. Reflecting on the discussion during the meeting, he said, 'I expressed my gratitude to the club for allowing me to have the surgery. They told me I am needed for us to win the championship again, so I told them I will do my best.'

He is currently undergoing rehabilitation based in Maishima. He resumed net throwing with a training ball in October and is expected to be able to resume throwing with a hardball in two weeks. 'It is progressing according to plan, and it feels good with no issues,' he said. Aiming for a return to actual games next May, his ideal scenario is to start pitch practice in February. He envisioned his path forward, saying, 'I try not to look too far ahead, as I believe the results will come naturally by following the program. First, I want to take it day by day, and once I return, I want to cherish every single game while listening to my body.'

The right-hander, who can reach speeds of up to 161 km/h, won nine games in his third year in 2023 and was crowned Rookie of the Year. 'If I can return as a more developed player, it will be a blessing in disguise. The reality is that I haven't produced results last year or the year before, but trials are a natural part of the journey toward a goal. I have high expectations for myself. I believe the fans who are waiting for me, my family, and the trainers who support me are all sincerely wishing for my return, so I want to do my best for them,' he said, vowing to make a full comeback as a pillar of the starting rotation.