The Yokohama BayStars said Thursday they have reached an agreement to sign free agent outfielder Nyjer Morgan, who played with the Milwaukee Brewers last season.

The 32-year-old Morgan is to join the Yokohama club on a one-year deal worth ¥150 million plus incentives. He will sign pending the outcome of a medical.

Morgan has a .280 batting average in 583 games in the major leagues. A teammate of Japanese outfielder Norichika Aoki at the Brewers, he played in 122 games last season.

He is set to bat as No. 3 hitter for the BayStars, who are hoping he will further strengthen the team alongside the likes of Alex Ramirez and Tony Blanco.

Orix gives up on Figaro

Kyodo KOBE

Orix Buffaloes' chief of baseball operations Yoshio Murayama said Thursday the Pacific League club has abandoned hopes of re-signing right-hander Alfredo Figaro.

"For personal reasons he (Figaro) wants to remain in America. We want to respect his wishes," said Murayama. "We may have to scratch him from the list of reserved players under certain conditions."

A senior team official said restrictions will be implemented to prevent the 28-year-old Figaro from playing in Asia for several years.

Figaro signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers in December, assuming he was a free agent. The Dominican, however, has been on Orix's reserve list and the Buffaloes balked at the signing, claiming the contract was invalid.

The Brewers apologized, admitting they were not aware Figaro was still the property of the Kobe club, leaving the pitcher's minor league deal hanging in the air.

Figaro was 8-11 with a 3.31 ERA in 35 games for the Buffaloes over the last two seasons.