The Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters would like to announce that six players renewed their contracts today, December 5th (Thursday).

Contract renewal

Takumi Yamamoto, Naoki Miyanishi, Ryota Isohata, Shoma Kanemura, Takahide Ikeda, Toshihiro Sugiura

Player comments

Taku Yamamoto (pitcher)

"I'm not yet satisfied with the results or the numbers. I told the team that I can still do more. We finished in a disappointing second place, but I think I was able to contribute to the team by getting into the top three. Next year, I want to make a strong start to the season and aim to pitch for the entire year. I want to prepare thoroughly during the offseason so that I can perform well enough to be called a 'relief ace' here next year."

Miyanishi (pitcher)

"The team recognized that, despite my performance and physical strength declining with age, I didn't lose heart, learned the changeup, and came back evolved. I was inspired by my younger teammates, challenged myself with new things, and thought about the manager's words, 'Enjoy it,' which gave me a new perspective on baseball this season. Hearing the fans' cheers during the Climax Series made me realize that this is what I wanted. My goal is to play like that and become the best in Japan with this team and these members."

Isohata player

"This year, I had the opportunity to experience a long season from the start of the season through the Climax Series and the Premier12. I received advice on how to manage my emotions in international tournaments and short-term competitions, as well as on my hitting, which is an area I need to work on, so I hope to put that to good use next year. The cheers at the Climax Series were the loudest I've ever heard since joining the Fighters, so I want to have an even better game next year. This year, I mainly played as a pinch runner, which helped me understand my role and value, but as long as I'm playing baseball, I want to earn a regular position next year."

Pitcher Kanemura

"Last year, I wasn't able to contribute much due to injuries, so I was really looking forward to this year. I started as a relief pitcher, but I learned a lot, and I was glad that I was able to maintain my place in the starting rotation after becoming a starter. When I was announced as the opening day starter, I was incredibly nervous, but now I've come to terms with it and I'm ready to go. I'll be mindful of being the opening day starter and will work on improving my overall level during the offseason. My goals for next year are to reach the required number of innings pitched and achieve double-digit wins."

Pitcher Ikeda

"I believe the team gave me the highest possible evaluation, and they told me they expect me to perform well next year as well. This year, I truly felt the difficulty of fighting through a year and the hardship of winning. During the offseason, I want to regain the weight I lost this year by increasing my muscle mass, and build a body that can compete for a full year. My number of holds and overall performance were not satisfactory, so my goals for next year are to avoid injuries, complete the entire season, and relentlessly pursue more holds."

Sugiura (pitcher)

"At the start of the season, I was often pitching when we were behind or coming in the middle of an inning, but from there I was given the opportunity to pitch in important situations, and I think I was able to earn their trust. There are a lot of good pitchers in the bullpen. I've come to realize that I need to break into the set-up man or closer position with my abilities and become an indispensable player. The team came in second place, so next year we have no choice but to win the championship. Personally, my goal is to pitch in 50 games and record a total of 30 holds and saves."