Chunichi Dragons left-hander Hitoki Iwase re-signed with the Central League champions Wednesday for an annual salary worth 380 million yen, making him the highest paid pitcher in Japanese baseball.
Iwase, who received a 75 million yen pay raise, posted 40 saves this past season and became the first player in Japanese professional baseball to record 40 or more saves two seasons in a row after notching 46 in 2005.
He is also only the fourth player to make 50 mound appearances eight years in succession.
"The responsibility will become even greater for me next season but I intend to rise to the challenge," said Iwase, who is set to become eligible for free agency next season.
Chunichi outfielder Kosuke Fukudome won the Central League MVP but has yet to negotiate a contract, making Iwase the highest paid Japanese player in club history.