The Toronto Blue Jays announced on Friday that they had re-signed infielder Munenori Kawasaki to a minor league contract.
The 33-year-old Kawasaki, a favorite among fans, teammates and local media for his fun-loving personality, received an invitation to spring camp.
Kawasaki batted .258 with 17 RBIs and one stolen base over 82 major-league appearances with the Blue Jays in 2014.
Kawasaki made his MLB debut with the Seattle Mariners in 2012 after 11 successful NPB seasons as a shortstop with the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks.