Hanshin pitcher Akihiro Aoyagi, who has won three titles, including the most wins in professional baseball and the Central League, has renewed his contract with an annual salary of 240 million yen, which is double that of this season.
Pitcher Aoyagi pitched in 24 games this season in his 7th year, recording 13 wins and 4 losses, a winning percentage of 70%, 6 minutes and 5 minutes, and an ERA of 2.05. Combined with the best ERA, he won three titles in the pitcher category, and was also selected as the Central League's Best Nine.
On the 8th, pitcher Aoyagi held contract negotiations at the team office in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, and the contract was renewed with an annual salary of 240 million yen, which is an estimated 120 million yen increase from this season and doubled. .
At the press conference, Aoyagi said, "As an individual, I'm glad I was able to win three titles, but as a team, I think it was a frustrating season that we couldn't win."
Also, regarding the change in the jersey number from 50 to 17 next season, he said, "When I started playing baseball in the 5th grade of elementary school, the jersey number I wore for the first time was 17, so I don't want to wear it on the professional stage. I was longing for it,” he said.
On top of that, regarding the WBC (World Baseball Classic) to be held in March next year, he said, "The Tokyo Olympics was an international tournament that I personally regret, so if I am selected, I will do my best to contribute so that Japan can win the championship. I think," he said.