The Yomiuri Giants will sign veteran infielder Hirokazu Ibata, who was released by the Chunichi Dragons at the end of the season, an informed source said Friday.
The source said the 38-year-old Ibata is negotiating to seal a formal contract.
Ibata, who batted just .236 with one homer and 18 RBIs in 100 games this season, was offered a large salary cut from the Dragons before he was granted a release.
The Giants, who won their second consecutive Central League pennant, have been in the market for a regular second baseman. Giants team representative Atsushi Harasawa said it is one of the key points to bolstering the team in the offseason.