Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters outfielder Hichori Morimoto said Thursday he has decided not to exercise his right for free agency and will remain with the Pacific League club.
The 28-year-old Morimoto will make ¥30 million less than he did this year in a one-year deal worth an estimated ¥80 million plus performance-related incentives.
“Whatever the contract conditions, I was determined to stay with the team,” said Morimoto, who faced a pay cut for the second straight year. “I realize that my performance was not good enough.”