The Orix Buffaloes said Wednesday they held talks with infielder Tsuyoshi Nishioka, who was released from the Minnesota Twins at the end of the season.
Orix discussed the possibility of Nishioka joining the team with the 28-year-old for about an hour a half.
"I think we had a good discussion," team official Yoshio Murayama said in a statement. "He would be a central player for our organization, and definitely someone necessary for the club."