Former Central League home run king Takahiro Arai was granted his release by the Hanshin Tigers on Tuesday.
The 37-year-old Arai, whose three-year contract expires this year, hit just .244 with three home runs and 31 RBIs this season for the Tigers, who lost to the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks in the Japan Series. In 2014, Arai took a backseat to first base man Mauro Gomez, who drove in 109 runs to win the CL RBI title.
The Tigers were going to cut Arai's pay by more than the 40 percent allowed by the baseball charter for players making more than ¥100 million. The Tigers' longtime first baseman received ¥200 million this season.
Arai signed with Hanshin as a free agent in 2008, after winning the 2005 home run title with the Hiroshima Carp. He also led the league in RBIs in 2011.
"I have nothing but appreciation toward Hanshin and the fans," Arai said. "For one last time, I wanted to be in a situation where I can compete for playing time."
"I know full well that I will get less than what Hanshin offered because I've chosen to be released."
Arai's younger brother, Ryota, plays for the Tigers.