Presented with 170 million yen, an increase of 70 million yen, “I am satisfied with the amount”
On the 2nd, pitcher Kaiba Hirara of Seibu went to the team office in Tokorozawa City to negotiate for contract renewal, but put it on hold. He was presented with an annual salary of 170 million yen, an increase of 70 million yen from 100 million yen this season, and said, “The amount is OK!” “Three years have passed since I couldn’t do it (due to team circumstances). As expected, I can’t do a middleman in the fourth year,” he revealed his heart. (Amount is estimated)
Regarding the reason for the suspension, Taira said, “I’m satisfied with the amount. It’s a feeling. It’s a matter of whether it’s a starter or a substitute.” It is on hold,” he explained. “From the off-season in 2019, I said that I wanted to be a starting pitcher, and it’s been three years since I couldn’t do it (due to team circumstances). As expected, I can’t do a middleman in the fourth year,” he revealed his hope.
Furthermore, he expressed his heart, saying, “(The feelings of the starting pitcher) are growing, and now there is a big explosion.” “I’m disappointed that I can’t change the game as a substitute. I want to control the game from 0-0 and lead the Lions to victory,” he said, expressing his strong desire to start.
This season, Taira pitched in 61 games, the most in the league, along with Rakuten’s Naoto Nishiguchi. He shared the title of best middle pitcher with fellow pitcher Yoshinobu Mizukami.
When his annual salary reached 100 million yen for the first time last season, he laughed, saying, “I want to have a ‘petit luxury’ like buying at a convenience store without looking at the price.” The date of the next round of negotiations is yet to be determined.
(Hirohisa Miyawaki)