The Yomiuri Giants have officially renewed the contract of pitcher Ryusei Yamaoka with a salary adjustment reflecting his recent performance. On November 25, Yamaoka signed for 10.5 million yen, marking a decrease of 500,000 yen from the previous year.
Despite showing promise during the Eastern League, where he managed to play 29 games with a record of two wins and two losses, Yamaoka was unable to secure any appearances with the first team this past season. His contract extension, albeit with reduced pay, is viewed as both a precaution and acknowledgment of his potential after battling through injuries during the initial years of his professional career.
Reflecting on the ups and downs of the past few seasons, Yamaoka expressed mixed feelings: "This season was my best, but there was also regret,” he noted. This sentiment underlines the challenges he faced, where his strong performances at the lower levels did not translate to opportunities at the top tier.
Yamaoka attributed his positive outlook to the opportunities he experienced during the off-season. Participated alongside teammates Akihiro and Kiyomoto at the Australian Winter League, Yamaoka mentioned, "I had no doubts, and the environment allowed me to try things. The precision of my change-up improved greatly, and my cut fastball developed well since autumn training." His eagerness to bring those skills back to Japan is evident.
Looking forward to the upcoming season, Yamaoka's aspirations are clear: "I want to be back under the team rules by March." His goal is to transition back to the first team and provide value to the Giants' lineup.
With commitment to improvement and clear objectives, Yamaoka emphasizes determination, stating, "I know people are talking, but I am determined to prove myself. I want to return the favor with results." His proactive attitude suggests he is ready to embrace the challenges of the upcoming season fully.
Yamaoka’s renewal, coupled with his desire for personal growth, highlights the competitive nature of professional sports and the continuous effort athletes must exert to secure their positions and showcase their abilities. The coming year will be pivotal for him as he seeks to establish his presence again within the Yomiuri Giants' pitching roster.
