Nippon-Ham announced on the 19th that they have signed a regular player contract with developmental player pitcher Koki Matsuoka. number will be '93'.

Matsuoka commented through the team's official website: "I am deeply grateful to the team for giving me another professional contract. I will never forget my gratitude to the team officials, staff, and fans who have supported me up to this point, and I will do my best to repay them with results. This professional contract is not the end goal; I will do my best to contribute to the team's championship and achieve results that I can be proud of. I ask for your continued support."

Matsuoka has pitched 19 1/3 innings in 12 games in the minor leagues so far, with a record of 4 wins and 0 losses and an ERA of 2.79.