The Yomiuri Giants have asked their former star Hideki Matsui to join their spring training camp next year as a special instructor, an informed source revealed on Monday.
The 39-year-old slugger, who also starred for the New York Yankees, retired this year. According to the source, Matsui's representatives have indicated he is inclined to accept the offer.
Matsui won three Central League MVP Awards before moving to the majors as a free agent ahead of the 2003 season. He was also the MVP of the Yankees' 2009 World Series victory before finishing his career with the Los Angeles Angels, Oakland Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays.
Giants chairman Tsuneo Watanabe has made no secret of his desire to have Matsui manage Japan's oldest existing pro team at some point.