[Orix Buffaloes] Ren Mukunoki “I want to become a guardian angel” – fulfilling training in Puerto Rico, signing for 14 million yen, an increase of 2 million yen
Sports Hochi
2025.12.23(火) 12:37
Orix Buffaloes Ren Mukunoki pitcher Ren Mukugi attended contract renewal negotiations at the team’s facility in Maishima, Osaka on the 23rd, and signed a contract for an annual salary of 14 million yen, an increase of 2 million yen (estimated amount). “I was able to create a very good image in the second half (as reliever), and although it was only six games, they evaluated that,” he said.
He is a right-handed pitcher who was the first pick in the 2021 draft, and has pitched in 12 games this season. He struggled as a starter with no wins and two losses, but midway through the season he expressed his desire to be a relief pitcher, and since September he has shown his suitability with four hold in six games. “I said I wanted to be a reliever pitcher, and I really had to produce results so that my year wouldn’t end, and although it was only six games, I’m glad that I was able to produce results,” he concluded.
After the season, he participated in the Puerto Rico Winter League (WL) with Higashimatsu and trained as a warrior for more than a month. In 15 games, he showed a stable pitch with 1 win, 1 loss, 4 hold, 3 saves, and a ERA of 1.00. The one that got a certain response was the new ball change-up that he learned from his teammates. “inning I had a lot of jumps and consecutive throws, and I knew that I could do my body. It was really fun for me to throw in a winning situation, and on top of that, I was motivated to close it with a struck out, so the result gave me a lot of confidence.”
His goal for next season is to pitch in 50 games. “It’s been like this since my time at university (Tohoku Fukushi University), but closing out a game suits me and it’s a lot of fun. I want to aim to be the guardian angel,” he declared.
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AloJapan.com