Fukuoka Daiei Hawks outfielder Arihito Muramatsu, who became eligible for free agency this season, will not exercise his right and remain with the Pacific League team, club officials said Tuesday.
Muramatsu acted as Daiei's leadoff man this season but was sidelined in August after breaking his right collarbone. He finished the season with a .324 average with 32 stolen bases.
He returned to the lineup in time for the Japan Series and helped the Hawks beat the Hanshin Tigers four games to three in the best-of-seven series which ended on Monday.
Yusuke Torigoe, Noriyoshi Omichi, Shuji Yoshida and Masanori Taguchi have also decided not to declare free agency after holding talks with the team.