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Contract Renewal Rush Across the First Team, Minor League, and Development Squad — A Clear Shift Toward the 2026 Season

Hello, Giants fans!
The 2025 offseason may be in full swing, but the Yomiuri Giants had an unusually busy day on November 17.
Contract renewals came from all directions — the first team, the minor league squad, and even developmental players — creating a strong sense of momentum as the club moves toward the 2026 season.

This full-length report breaks down everything that happened today, offering an in-depth look at the team’s direction, player updates, and what these moves suggest about next year.

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🔶 First Team: Young Core Steps Forward with Confidence

Players Speak Out — “I Will Level Up,” “I’ll Earn My Spot Before Opening Day”

◆ Yamato Suzuki (32)

• New Salary: ¥4.4 million (+¥200,000)
• Contract Status: Reverts to developmental contract for 2026

Despite starting next season as a developmental player, Suzuki delivered one of the strongest declarations of the day:

“I will earn back my roster spot before Opening Day.”

Suzuki remains one of the most dependable infield defenders in the organization.
His footwork, throwing accuracy, and range — especially on deep balls toward the third-base hole — are traits the Giants still value highly.

Internal sources say Suzuki has been focusing heavily on conditioning, lower-body strength, and defensive fundamentals during private workouts.
If he performs well in spring training, a midseason or even early-season return to the 40-man roster is completely realistic.

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◆ Ryuiki Mitsuzuka (22)

• New Salary: ¥4.5 million (+¥300,000)
• 2025 Highlight: Immediately debuted in the first-team lineup after earning his roster spot

Mitsuzuka became one of the most exciting young stories of the 2025 season.
After being registered to the main roster midseason, he unexpectedly started as a first-team outfielder — a moment fans still talk about.

His growth skyrocketed after training with superstar Kazuma Okamoto in the offseason:

• Improved pitch selection
• More stable swing path
• Better control of rhythm at the plate

From a “three-strikeout debut” to a legitimate contributor, Mitsuzuka’s transformation has been remarkable.
He is now seen as a leading candidate in the intensely competitive 2026 outfield race.

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◆ Shinya Yamase (25)

• Hit above .300 in the minor league throughout 2025
• Resolved previous “contract holdout” concerns and signed his deal

Yamase is quietly becoming one of the Giants’ most intriguing developing catchers.
While the catcher role is always crowded in the organization, Yamase has strengthened:

• his receiving technique,
• game-calling instincts,
• throwing accuracy,
• and most importantly, his hitting approach.

Manager Abe — a former elite catcher himself — has reportedly been impressed with Yamase’s maturity.
The possibility of him becoming the third catcher on the first-team depth chart next season is growing each month.

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◆ Misaki Sasahara (Pitcher)

• Contract details undisclosed
• Declared: “I’m going to polish every part of my game.”

Sasahara is seen as a potential breakout pitcher for 2026.
His mechanics have stabilized, and early bullpen sessions reportedly show better fastball carry and sharper breaking balls.

He is expected to compete for a rotation back-end spot or long-relief role next season.

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🔶 Minor League & Development Squad: New Talent Arrives, Competition Intensifies

Giants’ “Development Culture” Shines as New Coming Players Boost Depth

◆ Jumpei Kawaharada

• Signed a developmental contract
• Strengths: Contact hitting, defense, speed

After missing almost the entire 2024 season due to ankle surgery, Kawaharada is finally showing signs of returning to form.
He is praised for his range at shortstop, steady throwing mechanics, and situational awareness on the bases.

Given the Giants’ recent emphasis on speed and defense, Kawaharada fits the profile of a future roster candidate.

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◆ Eijiro Tomishige (Development Draft #1)

Tomishige’s calm demeanor during interviews surprised many fans — but his pitching talent is even more impressive.

The Giants have produced several successful pitchers from developmental contracts in recent years, including:

• Iori Yamazaki
• Yuji Akahoshi

Tomishige is widely expected to follow that path thanks to:

• efficient mechanics
• stable command
• advanced feel for pitch sequencing

He could debut in the minor league system sooner than expected.

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🔶 Manager Abe’s Strategy Is Becoming Clearer

Key Themes: Defense, Speed, and Youthful Energy

From today’s contract trends and comments, Abe’s 2026 philosophy is becoming unmistakably clear.

✔ Emphasis on defense

The Giants want fewer errors, more reliable infield play, and better catcher work.

✔ Revival of speed and mobility

Base-running, small-ball tactics, and aggressive advancement are becoming part of the identity.

✔ Promotion of young talent

A new generation is emerging, from Mitsuzuka and Yamase to Kawaharada and Tomishige.

✔ Rebuilding the pitching staff

More flexibility, more defined roles, and improved stamina across the staff are becoming priorities.

The Giants are evolving into a team that is not only strong, but dynamic.

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🔶 Conclusion: November 17 Was a “Turning Point Day” for the Giants

Positive energy spreads across all levels — and fans can feel it

Summarizing today’s news, one theme stands out:
The Giants are preparing to become a much stronger team in 2026.

• Young players are hungry
• Developmental prospects are rising
• The minor league is filling with competition
• Abe’s leadership is gaining clarity
• The roster is trending toward athleticism and depth

This is one of those off-season days that makes fans genuinely excited for the future.

Giants fans,
which player do YOU think will break out in 2026?
Feel free to share your predictions!

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