Orix Buffaloes pitcher Ryuga Sato attended contract renewal negotiations on the 9th at the player dormitory in Maishima, Osaka, and signed for an estimated annual salary of 5.2 million yen, an increase of 200,000 yen. At the negotiation table, he expressed his determination, stating, My goal was to pitch for the first team, but since that did not happen, I told them I will do my best to contribute to the team's win next year.

In the 2024 Spring Invitational during his second year at Gunma's Ken-dai Takasaki High School, he wore number 1 and achieved a national championship. After overcoming Tommy John surgery on his left elbow in August of that same year, he joined the team as a third-round draft pick in 2025. In this current season, his first year out of high school, he pitched in 6 games in the farm league, recording 12 innings with zero runs. He increased his maximum speed from 147 km/h to 151 km/h and expressed confidence, stating, 'I think my strength is increasing, and I felt that my pitching is effective even against professional hitters.'

However, on the other hand, he identified the control of his breaking balls as a challenge. He envisioned his development, stating, "Because my fastball is strong, breaking balls become even more important. I will practice them thoroughly during the off-season."

His former teammate from high school, Ishigaki of the Lotte Marines, made his first-team debut late in the season. 'I truly respect that he was able to throw his pitches confidently on that stage starting from his first year out of high school. It made me feel like I can't afford to lose to him,' he said, feeling motivated. Looking ahead to his second season next year, he plans to participate in the Asia Winter League in Taiwan starting on the 14th to work on strengthening his stamina. 'First, I want to be part of the starting rotation in the farm league, and then I hope to be pitching for the first team by around the middle of next year,' he vowed, aiming for a major breakthrough.